0003160 Ģ.F. 316
6.
initially.
(e)
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- 4
Internal Pressure
The closure of more newspapers is likely to be seized
upon by the local communists as another example of
"suppression" and used as an excuse for further violence.
Effect on Remainder of Population
There is no doubt that action against the Communist Press would
raise the morale of the majority of the people and the security forces,
The Government would be seen to be taking remedial action
against a "running sore" which has been paining the Colony since the start of
and would gain additional support and confidence from this
confrontation;
act. If the closure produced a prolonged reaction from the Communists
involving an increase in violence the ultimate effect might be more damaging than
beneficial to the Hong Kong Government.
Deductions
(a)
(b)
The effectiveness of the communist press as a propaganda
medium has decreased in recent months due to the reduction
in circulation.
The continued use of the press by the Communist leadership
as a means of issuing instructions constitutes a threat.
to the future security of the Colony. Although the
present tone of the press is less violent there is no
evidence that this trend is likely to continue. Any
or less
change of policy involving more/violence would almost
certainly be indicated to the masses through the medium
of the Press. However, if this medium were not available
no doubt the communists would use the other means to
(a)
issue their instructions.
Lack of action by the Government is likely to be
interpreted by the public as a weakness and may
eventually undermine their confidence. In order to
maintain the initiative continuous action is required.
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