INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES
FROM HONG KONG (Sir A. Grantham)
Simplex
D. 22nd April, 1952.
19 R. 22nd
13.55 hrs.
IMMEDIATE SECRET
No.333.
Addressed S. of S.
Repeated Commissioner General Singapore No.112
and savingram to Peking, Tamsui, Tokyo, Bangkok, Manila, North Borneo and
Sarawak (Singapore please pass to last two).
Intelligence telegram for week ending
21st April, 1952.
Public opinion remains fairly steady but lacks real stability. Pessimism has been increased by the continued deadlock in the Korean negotiations and the general attitude is one of awaiting the next major communist
move.
2. Lack of high grade reports result in no change in estimates which remain 225,000. Of this figure 85,000 are accepted in area X.
Eight vessels left for China mainland ports during the week of which three were for North China.
4. There has been no change in the rice stock situation reported in paragraph 5 of my telegram No.311.
5. Official Japanese fact-finding trade delegation now in Hong Kong comprises one member from the Japanese Economic Affairs Bureau, one from M. I.T. I. and one from the Foreign Exchange Control Board. Outcome of their visit will be reported in due course.
6. No major developments in the labour situation. Left wing elements continue to exploit the position at the Mah Keung Rubber Factory which remains a potential source of trouble. There are indications that left wing activities are to be concentrated on the welfare of individual workers with the probable object of building up a general pattern of exploitation and oppression in Hong Kong. Canton Radio has announced a series of broadcasts to begin today addressed to "Our compatriots in Hong Kong and Macao" which will probably exploit the same theme.
Excess of departures over permitted entries 215. No change in the general border situation. It is reported that Chinese Peoples Army is conducting a survey of the frontier area with the intention of building pill boxes along the border.
(Copies sent to Foreign Office Bag Room for
transmission to Washington.)
Hong Kong Weekly Intelligence Report Distribution sent.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.