CONFIDENTIAL
Ri Cartero
42.2/5.
(1764)
Note for Commonwealth Secretary (for Cabinet 30 May)
Situation in Hong Kong (as at 29 May)
Since the situation in Hong Kong was discussed in DOPC on 25 May, the local communist leadership has continued to avoid violent or riotous action. The police are rested and the Governor hopes to be able shortly to stand down the Auxiliary Police.
2.
Communist tactics have been to organise short lightning stoppages in public utilities (i.e. in bus, tram and ferry services) and in Government Departments (postmen and some Marine staff). While their use of loud speakers to broadcast inflammatory exhortations has greatly diminished, propaganda in press and posts continues to inveigh against British imperialism, alleged police brutality etc., and to press for acceptance of the "five demands" The arrival of the "Bulwark" in Hong Kong has been described as "intimidation by gunboat diplomacy".
3.
•
The Governor has not been able to establish direct informal contact with the communist leadership (the possibility of his doing so was reported on 25 May). His assessment of the present situation is that this is a time of reappraisal of tactics by the leadership and that they anticipate and are planning for a "long struggle".
Hong Kong Department Commonwealth Office.
29 May 1967
CONFIDENTIAL
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