SECRET
THE HONG KONG SITUATION
he Carte (200
The communists have been successful in organising
a number of temporary stoppages of work in Government
departments, public utilities, dockyards, etc. Five Unions
called for a general strike on the 10th June, but this
did not materialise. The situation is very uneasy, with
numerous rumours of widespread action to be taken.
propaganda.
Posters and the press continue to spread inflammatory
There is perhaps a danger that the Government' S
action in removing posters will be forcibly resisted: posters
are becoming a symbol of resistance to Government authority.
Although communist confrontation has manifested itself
in a number of ways simultaneously in the past few days there
is no evidence of central planning. The indications are that
the leadership is not in full control of the situation.
Meanwhile Peking continues to counsel its supporters-in
Hong Kong to await its call for action.
The great danger remains that local communist initiatives
will escalate the situation to the point at which Peking will
find it very difficult to stand aside.
This did not come
ット
uf at 13/1/0/67 15/6/67.
Cabinet on
But
an
SECRET
Page 195Page 196