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2. There have been reliable indications that some action in the past has been taken, by unions and other left wing groups, without the consent or even the knowledge of the All-Circles Anti-Persecution Struggle Committee (A.Č.A.P.S.C.) and that the
is local Communist hierarchy, in the name of this body,
In the context of the endeavouring to tighten its control. poster campaign, the initial reaction of the A.C.A.P.S.C. appears to have been to refuse to remove posters but not to offer physical resistance to their removal by the security forces. However, as manifested by the actions of the workers in the Government Garage and the Gas Company, there is no doubt that some elements in the local Communist movement have recently seized upon posters as an issue on which to have a major confrontation. While it is known that resistance to these workers to the removal of the posters was approved by their individual parent Union Struggle Committee, it is not clear whether or not this line of action was authorised by the A.C.A.P.S.C. Nevertheless, the Star Ferry stoppage illustrated that, once action has been taken by a group of workers, the A.C.A.P.S.C. is reluctant to direct a return to work even though, by failing to do so, it may alienate a large section of the uncommitted population whose support it is seeking.
3. It is clear that during the past few days, following the pattern of the Marine Department and Taikoo Docks, the Communist workers expected to have their own way through threats of violence, thus placing the Government in the invidious position of either retreating in the face of open defiance or taking physical measures to maintain law and order. provocative tactics were, of course, the same as those followed in the demonstrations at Government House last month.
These
40 Although we are faced with a greater number of simultaneous confrontations there is no evidence that these have been occasioned by any central planning. However, there is no doubt that, individual directions apart, the pro-Communist press has clearly incited and stimulated workers to offer resistance where Government takes the initiative by insisting upon the removal of inflammatory posters. Posters, are in fact rapidly becoming the symbol of resistance to Government authority and although the Communists are preparing for a long struggle, a real trial of strength may be imminent, as the absence of any prolonged resistance to police in the two actions of the 8 June may not be truly representative.
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