SECRET
THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S TOUR OF THE FAR EAST
January/February 1973
BRIEF NO. HK 3
HONG KONG INTERNAL SECURITY
1.
The improvement in relations between the United Kingdom and China
has been reflected in Hong Kong, where the Communists have softened
their public attitude towards the Government and are evidently determined
Their attempts to gain influence in the Colony
to avoid confrontation.
have met with only limited success in 1972.
2. The Hong Kong Federation of students may be tempted to challenge the
Government on social issues, having turned away from the Senkatu Islands
issue as their main platform for protest.
They are showing an increasing
interest in China, and this is leading them to a more sympathetic and
uncritical appreciation of her political system.
3. We see little or no likelihood of serious internal disorders in the
near future.
4.
A separate TS brief on the threat to Hong Kong has been provided.