CO129-611-3 Weekly summaries of press reports and comments 24-12-1946 - 27-9-1947 — Page 28

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE

TELEPHONES:

P.R.O.

21738

ASSISTANT PR.O.

31636

GENERAL OFFICE.

23406

Orig.

96009/15747

To:

Date:

24th July, 1947.

OFFICES:

30

27

6E, CLOUCESTER ARCADE

Ref: PRO/1040/3.

WEEKLY SUMMARY OF HONG KONG PRESS REPORTS AND COMMENTS.

July 13- 19, 1947.

10

CHINA.

The chief topic of the week was the impending arrival of General Wedemeyer as Special Envoy to China, and there was much speculation as to the significance and probable outcome of the mission. The Wah Kiu Yat Po of July 14 seemed to hope that Wedemeyer would concentrate on the economic needs of China, whilst the Sing Tao Jih Pao thought that he would be chiefly concerned with the military situation vis-a-vis the Communists. The Kuo- mintang paper, National Times, enthusiastically welcomed the Wedemeyer mission as an indication that the American policy would now be the support of the Central Government against the Communists. The pro-Communist Hwa Shiang Pao was of the opinion that the mission would merely result in prolonging the civil war.

The Kung Sheung Daily Press of July 15 was of the opinion that any aid to China resulting from the mission would have conditions attached to it, one of which would be a purge of corrupt officials.

The Wah Kiu Yat Po of July 16 quoted opinions that the mission would result in American aid being granted to China on similar terms to those which applied to Greece; also that the Communist controlled areas would not be excluded from American aid.

The Kung Sheung Daily Press of July 17, referring to the example of Greece, warned against the acceptance of American aid by China on terms which would subject China to American control.

The Wah Kiu Yat Po of July 18 reported that American loans for various public works projects in China were being sought.

The Wah Kiu Yat Po of July 14 reported that Russian troops were occupying areas in the vicinity of Dairen evacuated by Chinese Communists, and the Kung Sheung Daily Press of July 19 reported that Russian ships were carrying supplies for the Communists to the port of Yintai in Shantung.