SECRET
A.
CONFRONTATION
The disturbances in Hong Kong started in early May after a series
of industrial disputes in one of which, because of violent demonstrations,
the police had to intervene. The pro-Communist Press supported Union demands
for the release of those arrested, compensation, punishment of the police
involved and no more police interference in trade disputes. The Chinese
Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 15 May castigated the Hong Kong Government
for "fascist atrocities" and demanded that they should accept the Unions'
demands.
2. What began as a genuine labour dispute changed its character and
was taken up and exploited by local Communists with the aid of hooligans
elements, some of whom were paid. Organised demonstrations were mounted
as a direct and deliberate challenge to the authority of the Government.
In some cases these were orderly, but in others they led to disturbances
involving police action. Public support rallied strongly to the
Government: a large number of organisations came out spontaneously and is
openly in support of the Government. The demonstrations ceased on 22nd May.
3. The local Communists then switched to organising stoppages,
particularly in the public utilities (e.g. transport and electricity);
this included an attempt to disrupt the import of food from China.
Despite
widespread intimidation and the use of considerable funds (from mainland
sources), these activities were no more successful than the demonstrations
although they did to some extent disrupt the life of the Colony. Rather did
they further alienate the general public.
4. From about mid-July the Communists increased their violence, using
bombs, bottles and iron bars in attacks on the police and organising
violent resistance to police attempts to take down inflammatory posters.
In the face of this violence, the Government adopted tougher counter
measures including the raiding of headquarters and focal points of
SECRET
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