Political Situation in Hong Kong
SECRET
150
The following information has been obtained from the Special Branch of the Hongkong Police :-
Apart from a considerable amount of looting by the Chinese, now fairly well under control, the position outwardly, is quiet. Under the surface however, it is feared that trouble is brewing and will eventually flare up. The presence of increasing numbers of British personnel may have a sobering effect for the time being.
2.
There are a number of armed gangs in the Colony some of which were regularly armed by the authorities who originally employed then, whilst others have acquired arms irregularly from Japanese service sources. During the weck or two just preceding their departure the Japanese gave away indiscriminately thousands of small arms of all descriptions. It is estimated that there are approximately 7,000 un- registered arms in the hands of potential gangsters in the Colony.
3.
During the occupation most people had to dispose of their jewellery and other valuables in order to purchase food through Japanese black market channels, so that little is left of this nature to encourage armed robbery. Furthermore the Jap ilitary Yen which is still the accopted form of currency, is viewed with some suspicion as far as its future value is concerned and robberies for money are not likely to occur at present. When the new currency is introduced, trouble is likely to occur.
it. below:-
Particulars of three known gangster organisations are given
(a) The Gambling louses Gang.
An organisation some 3,000 strong, composed chiefly of Cantonese gangsters from the mainland, under the leadership of one WAN TUCK MING, employed by Japanese to maintain law and order in the Colony in return for the privilege of running the public gaming houses a very lucrative occupation. Police work was carried out in gangster style, victims being handed over to the Gendarmerie on trumped-up charges..
When the Japanese departed, the old Hongkong police were re-organised with available personnel. Prior to the landing of Naval parties, WAN TUCK MING offered the services of his organisation to assist in preserving law and order on the same terms as he enjoyed with the Japanese, His offer was refused but the position was difficult as he had more armed forces at his disposal at the time than the police had.
The police have since been able
talk him over into breaking up his gang. He is to be paid the sum of 5,000,000 Yen as a reward for his co-operation. He has agreed to leave the Colony, along with 40 or 50 of his leuding gangsters, within the next 14 days. He is persuading members of his gang
to hand over their arms to as many as possible the police, ostensibly for the purpose of stamping prior to registration. Before he leaves he will hand over a list of gangsters known to him, remaining in the Colony and likely to give trouble. The Supt. Special Branch is of the opinion that WAL. will honour his side of the bargain though it is unlikely that his gang will be completely broken up, or that all arms will be handed in.