00031/9 G.F. 316
Timing
SECRET
10
It is already nearly two weeks since the first raid on a Communist school showed to all that they are subversive institutions and that we know it. Some action is required quickly and further study is likely to mean that much effect will be lost by delay. For the sake of speedy action for increased political effect some risk that the study has not been complete must be accepted.
Reaction of Communists
Whatever action is taken, the communists will want to know how far we are prepared to go. They will do their best to deflect us from our purpose and possible efforts are
(a)
press blasts,
(b)
rallies in schools,
(c)
(a)
comfort missions to schools,
protests from Peking in the press rather
than through diplomatic channels,
(e)
delaying tactics,
(f)
defiance of closure orders involving
possibly guards on the school or arrests
etc. of people meeting in schools,
(g) (h)
bringing children into the streets,
creating martyrs of children denied schools.
Decisions
With 3 extents of action and 8 types there are 24 courses of action together with a considerable number of courses involving further modification of extent or type. Basically, the problem is to decide how quickly we wish to demonstrate that we propose to take firm action to achieve the objective. A slow but steady progress gives time for
' reflection before too much is lost. A firm strong start would inflict
a shock which might either provoke hysterical action or induce more rapid compliance with conditions.
SECRET
D.C. Bray A.C.S.(SD)