10.
In January 1959, the tone of the major
Greater
communist newspapers returned to the restrained level
of 1953-56; even the deregistration of a communist
controlled society and the deportation of its leading
office bearers was reported without comment.
attention was paid to local news, crime, sports and
other items of popular appeal; the Wen Wei Pao, considered
the most doctrinaire of the communist newspapers, even
introduced the occasional salacious story. International
news continued to reflect the policy line of the Peking
People's Daily but criticism of Western foreign policy
tended to concentrate on the United States rather than
Britain, and anti-American propaganda has continued,
virtually without interruption, to the present day.
11.
In 1962, a general reorganisation of the local
communist press machine took place in the course of
which the C.P.G. assumed direct responsibility for
editorial appointments and the Wen Wei Pao was given
the 'honour' of being the 'Party' (C.C.P.)
(C.C.P.) newspaper
in Hong Kong. Executive direction of the press was
placed in the hands of a senior Party official, experienced
in united front work, who was sent from Peking with
instructions to build up the circulation and increase
the propaganda impact. However, despite widespread
staff changes there was little change in the propaganda
policy of the newspapers some amendments were made to
1
format and a more liberal policy introduced regarding
publication of racing tips, serial stories, etc., which
gave a slight boost to the circulation figures.
12.
With the intensification of the war in Vietnam
and the increasing use of Hong Kong by United States
/forces.
•
CONFIDENTIAL