97499 St.S
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now; this is probably because (as the
Governor says) they realise that in doing so
they would run the risk of an incident, with
its attendant international repercussions.
If the element of risk is removed by the
withdrawal of all air cover, they might well
be tempted to intervene when it suited them.
I and the Governor have in mind the possibility of their mounting leaflet raids (as you will
recall the Indonesians did in Sabah and
Sarawak)
as an indication of their support
for their sympathisers in Hong Kong and, of
course, of their power to intervene, It is
significant that what stopped the Indonesians
was the R.A. F. presence in Kuching and Labuan.
However, the overriding consideration is,
6.
as always, the need to maintain local
confidence and morale.
Colony rests on this.
Our position in the
Although the people
of Hong Kong have shown great resilience in
the face of the developments of last year,
there is no doubt that their confidence in
the future has been affected. xxdxopínið^XIN
>
ANXXXKNкax*x₤к¤xяingapa KXX The
communist campaign in Hong Kong has not
ceased; the indications are that it is
entering a lengthy phase of non-violent
"political struggle" and that steady
communist pressure will be maintained;
and
/opinion