3
Particular attention is, therefore, now being given to the possibility of controlling immigration into the Colony and guarding the land frontier. As has frequently been pointed out both these matters are extremely complicated owing to Hong Kong's geographical position and traditional policy of imposing no restrictions on entry and exit of Chinese.
They are being re-examined in the light of a Communist regime wholly hostile to foreign interests being established shortly in China. It may be added that hitherto the Chinese Commun- ists have made no definite statement of policy towards Hong- Kong, but their unofficial spokesman in Hong Kong has intimated to a Reuters' correspondent that the issue was one which would be settled in due course by friendly means, The passing by Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Defence Force Ordinance has generally been welcomed as an indication that the British position in Hong Kong would be maintained, though the Chinese press have chosen to regard it as being more a guarantee for prescrvation of local law and order.
10.
A meeting of the Chiefs of Police of Hong Kong, Canton, and Macao was held at Macao on the 27th December to discuss general questions of Police co-operation. As far as combatting crime is concerned, liaison is good. It is more difficult to extend this to co-operation in combatting subversive political influences, owing to Chinese administra- tion in the border areas adjoining Hong Kong being extremely weak. At present the "Communist-bandits" can more or less do what they wish. Chinese Government garrison troops do not venture far from their posts especially at night. Macao, owing to its geographical position,is by the very nature of things unable to do very much. Hong Kong must therefore look to itself.
11.
Except for the taxi strike the labour situation remains quiet. The taxi strike has continued for over three months, and there are some indications that the union, in an effort to regain face and justify its lack of success, may try to bring about a general sympathy strike involving the other unions of the Left Wing "Federation" of which the Taxi Drivers' Union is a member. Considerable efforts at friendly conciliation have been made by the Commissioner of Labour, but the employers are adamant feeling that they have a strong case. The strikers, for their part, are obstinate and embittered by the fact that some "blackleg" drivers have been taken on in their places. They are attempting to give the strike a general "anti-capitalist" complexion.
12.
During December a statement was released to the press by a number of Formosan nationalists, representing various anti-Chinese Formosan groups. The statement made a plea for a square deal for Formosa, and denounced the rumoured report that the Nanking regime was moving for safety to Formosa.
C. B. B. HEATHCOTE-SMITH
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