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Hong Kong telegram No. 1911 to Commonwealth Office (DTD)
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Limited police action in connection with bomb incidents has continued and on 21 December, a police operation in the New Territories discovered a bivouac at which a number of gelignite bombs detonators, small arms ammunition, British army battledress and a small printing Press were seized, Two youths have been detained for enquiries.
3. At a recent meeting of the representatives of local Communist newspapers, it was agreed that, in an effort to increase circulation, news concerning confrontation should no longer be given front page publicity and that, instead, prominence would be given to Mao's thoughts and news of interest to the middle and working classes. One leading Communist newspaper has started an economy drive following a refusal by the CPG to pay more than half the 300,000 dollars this newspaper has lost over the past few months.
4. During a visit to Canton between 15 and 18 December, a number of senior local Communist film personalities attended a meeting at the Canton military district headquarters presided over by the Vice-Chairman of the Kwang tung provincial support committee at which the visitors were informed that the struggle in Hong Kong should continue by peaceful political means. At a meeting held on the day following their return to the Colony, they were instructed by an official of the Hong Kong office of the New Chine News Agency (NCNA) that the use of violence in the confrontation with the Hong Kong Government was not correct, and that compatriots had committed mistakes in resorting to the use of force. The official stressed that those present should use their cultural influence to propagate the thoughts of Mao with the aim of indoctrinating the people of Hong Kong. The context of this speech has since been c circulated to others working in Communist film circles where there is, apparently, considerable confusion over this sudden change in policy.
5. There are now clear indications that, as a result of instructions from China, there has been a major policy change by the local Communists. This should result in the eventual disappearance of violence but anti-Government propaganda will no doubt continue at a high pitch. This change of policy will probably lead to intensified indoctrination and United Front activities in an attempt to win over a broader section of the population. The blunt admission by an official of the N.C.N.A. to a meeting of film workers that the whole concept of the use of force during confrontation was wrong, indicates that the Communist leaders are anxious to ensure that the new policy is complied with immediately. It is likely that the resulting bewilderment amongst the lower ranks in film circles will be repeated in other spheres of Communist influence, but it is considered that the majority will accept the "party line". However, some militants may ignore the instructions and isola ted incidents of violence may continue to occur for some time. Agreement amongst the major Communist newspapers to play down confrontation news is a further indication of an attempt to return to more settled conditions, although, of course, the need to off-set the losses they have incurred in recent months must also be a major factor. However, it is felt that it will not be easy for these newspapers to win back the readership they have lost
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