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20
Throughout the week police, assisted by military forces, have continued with offensive action against Commun organisations and personalities in the course of which union, school and commercial organisations have been raided, together with the homes of a number of Communist cadres. Large quantities of weapons, including acid and petrol bombs, have been seized together with considerable quantities of inflammatory propaganda and documents, many of high intelligence value. No physical resistance has been encountered in any of these operations, although in most cases it has been necessary to force open iron grilles. So far 19 people of security interest have been detained under the provisions of the Deportation of Aliens Ordinance. 90 have been charged in court for offences connected with these operations.
30 Reliable sources have indicated that the morale of the Communist workers has been seriously affected by these actions and that the leaders are afraid to gather together in recognised Communist buildings, apart from the Bank of China and NCNA premises. Union members have been instructed to remain at home until contacted and there is little doubt that the Communist organisation has been disrupted, at least for a time. There is no indication that the Communist leaders intend to desist from the confrontation and there is little doubt that, following a brief lull during which they will regroup and plan their next move, there will be a renewed outbreak of anti-Government activities. These may take the form of increased terrorist and sabotage activities, possibly utilising more sophisticated equipment.
4. The reaction from China to the offensive moves by Government against Communist organisations in Hong Kong has, so far, been surprisingly mild and has evoked, to date, no official protest.
150 160/51/01.
5. See also my telegram No.1070.
(Passed as requested with advance copies to Foreign Office
(F.E. Dept.) Commonwealth Secretary's Private Office
and News Dept.)
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