CONFIDENTIAL
SCR 3/3571/71
Introduction
THE NEW LEFT
aleli
For
The term "New Left" is in common use. convenience it has therefore been used in this paper, to describe groups of young people here who are discontented with the established order and who actively organize protest in an attempt to bring about changes. But it is not intended to imply that they form a coherent political entity with a particular ideological basis.
2.
The paper summarises the New Left's development
in Hong Kong; suggests what has influenced this; lists its principal activities; describes and forecasts trends; assesses threats posed; and recommends possible measures to contain these.
History
3.
Student agitation in the Colony is a relatively
new phenomenon, though of long standing in China.
4.
During the 1950's and early 60's most young people at all levels of society here were busy working for a bare living or studying to get reasonable jobs. Moreover they (or at least their families) had experienced the turmoil of war. As a result they rarely questioned the social and political structure of the Colony, which they in any case then tended to regard as only a temporary home.
5.
By 1966, however, there was some evidence of
The events which
an undercurrent of youthful discontent and rebellion. led up to the Star Ferry riots that year had many features in common with recent New Left protest campaigns. But further development was temporarily overtaken by the more serious communist-inspired confrontation of 1967 and the period of tension which followed.
6.
The current open expression of discontent can be dated from 1969, when groups of expatriate academics, research students and clergy organized demonstrations against the Vietnam War outside the United States Consulate. Although the object of these demonstrations attracted little local support, their organization set an example to local groups.
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CONFIDENTIAL