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known to be taking place in various locations in the Colony to plan their campaign. May 22nd at first appcared likely to be but a
foretaste of what was to come in the next few days, but surprisingly
the major defeat of the Communists on this day introduced a
temporary but uneasy lull.
19.
No further mass demonstrations or physical confrontation
with Government or Police took place before the end of the month.
An all out attempt was now made by the left-wing press to make
political capital out of the events of May 22nd. This was
effectively countered partly by Government propaganda, but also by
protestations of fidelity and support which came in from an ever
increasing number of public spirited organisations in the Colony,
ranging from hawkurs' associations to powerful commercial houses and
right-wing unions. To counter their defeat the Communists had to
find some means to demonstrate effectively to the public the extent
of their influence and support. Another factor which could not be
underestimated at this stage, was an entirely spontaneous vote of
confidence and thanks to the Folice Force, introduced by a number
of firms in the Colony which inaugurated a Fund for the higher
education of Police Officers on 18th lay. This caught on like
wildfire and by the end of the month, had, with assistance
of a $1 million donation from the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club,
reached the gratifying total of some 3 million. This, it is known,
hurt the communist cause more than might have been expected.
Accordingly, the emphasis of the communist confrontation began to
shift and they began to concentrate upon their propaganda campaign
and the introduction of a series of flash token strikes in public
utilities and services, bolstered by a stepping up of the poster
campaign. It was notable that these token strik s usually
involved only unproductive workers, and that care was being taken
not to cause strikes which would alienate the uncommitted majority
of the population, whose support the Communists were actively
seeking to enlist.
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/20.