SECRET
2.
(h)
(i)
(j)
a one day stoppage of scholastic activities by 32 local communist schools. In fact only three of the schools closed completely whilst the remainder spent the day holding political studies and memorial services for workers who had died in the confrontation:
a continuation of the vitriolic anti-British propaganda in the local left wing press which has made exaggerated claims about the success of the strike action undertaken by the communists. There were several very strong attacks on
His Excellency, immediately prior to, and following his departure from the colony; and
a continuation of the distribution of inflammatory leaflets, some of which are being thrown from the tops of high buildings.
Posters and painted slogans continue to appear on buildings and public places during the night. These are obliterated by police as soon as they are discovered. Inflammatory posters and newspaper articles are still displayed on much the same scale, in the windows and show-cases of communist controlled premises.
Reliable information shows that the local
communist leaders are disappointed with the support that the strike of 24 June has obtained but feel that now that they are committed, they must continue with their present course of action. Whilst this strike has caused some disruption particularly in the bus services available to the public, the local communisty has shown its usual resilience and apart from a greater number of people walking to and from work and a general reduction in the crowds on the streets during the evenings, life in the community goes on very much as normal, The delays in loading and off-loading ships in the harbour will, in due course, affect the commercial life of the colony but it is hoped that over the next few days there will be some improvement in this area. Increased intimidation is the only tactic open to the communists if they wish to achieve any greater success in this strike action but the additional powers granted by the new legislation should have a deterrent effect.
3.
The interference with the flow of food and other supplies from China, albeit on a temporary basis, 18 2 LOH phase of the confrontation. It seems improbable that C.P.G. concerns such as Ng Fung Hong and China Resources Company would become involved in such action without approval from China, but it is significant that livestock and other food have continued to arrive at the border, only to be refused by local communist importers who are doing so on the quite fictitious grounds that no transport or unloading facilities are available as a result of the strike. The stoppage is obviously designed to intimidate the local populace into siding with the communists in the confrontation, by reminding them how much they are dependent upon China for their food. However, any prolonged interference with food supplies must have an adverse effect on China's own economy, at least
SECRET
Page 75Page 76
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.