SECRET
Hong Kong telegram No. 1405 to Commonwealth Office
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Two females, both minor employees of the New Ca News Agency and another of similar standing with the Ta Kung Pao newspaper were arrested and sentenced to fourteen days imprisonment for contempt of court.
Prior to the Court sitting a male reporter of the Ta Kung Pao was arrested for assault on Police (telegrams Nos. 1384 and 1387 refer).
The Hong Kong Seamen's Union's "strike" effort continues completely ineffective. A meeting called by the HKSU on 9 September was cancelled due to lack of support. The Marine Department Seamen's Recruiting Office (S.R.0.) reports that the numbers registering for employment continues to be well in excess of demand.
The local Communist Press has, maintained rather a more moderate tone, Prominence has been given to PLA exercises near the Hong Kong border, which were described as routine The conviction of five Communist newspaper reporters on riot charges and the arrest of four Communist Press staff members was the main subject for criticism, wide coverage being given to related protests by various anti persecution struggle committees, the NCNA and the People's Daily. The Wen Wei Pao issued the first of a series of weekly supplements entitled "Worker's Fighting News" with a claim that it will be a major channel for policy dissemination to the "masses". Copies of this supplement have also been distributed, at a nominal charge, to members of Communist Trade Unions.
There was a substantial improvement in the supply of food and other goods from China.
The continued comparative daim of the border area. However, there has been an increase in training activity by the PLA including participation by the Militia, by day and night. Reports of artillery firing by night are believed to be of recoilless weapons organic to PLA Infantry Regiments. There have been no reliable reports indicating the de- ployment of artillery equipment in the border area. The main purpose of the training activity is believed to be to improve PLA capability to deal with any determined attempt to flee to Hong Kong
It may also be intended as a deterrent to individual and small groups of refugees who are currently reported to be moving towards Hong Kong.
SECRET
/Foreign Office
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