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5.
There is little doubt that the communist press is
the major communication link between the communist hierarchy and
the so-called "masses", particularly since the leaders in the
trade union field went into hiding in mid-July.
Militancy in
Although it is
the press is invariably followed by an increase in violent action
and, conversely, when the newspapers are relatively quiet, violence
diminishes. Statements by people arrested in connection with bomb
incidents and demonstrations indicate that there is little co-
ordination or control over incidents on the ground and that they
are, to a large extent, caused by small groups which take their
general line for action from the communist press.
difficult to accept this fully, having regard to the wide-spread nature
of incidents over the past few days, there is little doubt that the
communist press, while not involved in the manufacturing or planting
of bombs, by initiating and encouraging the populace, is largely
responsible for the waves of violence which occur from time to time.
This must be apparent to the local population and therefore, whilst
Government permits these journals to continue publication there could
be a general erosion of public morale and confidence in Government's
ability to maintain law and order particularly as, after a lapse
of a few weeks, the communist newspapers have resumed publishing
articles, which are ellegedly reports of "mosquito" news-sheets,
high-lighting personalities who are on the "assassination list".
A
There is little doubt that the most recent calls for
violence are due to the current visit to Hong Kong by Lord Shepherd.
Reliable intelligence obtained on the communist newspapers since
September shows that the major long-term propaganda effort will be
directed at gaining a broader support for the communist cause, based
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