TNAG-0032-FCO40-68-Relations-with-China-1968 — Page 4

not take part in anti-communist action support the cormunists: it is doubtful, indeed, if this reflects the true thinking of the communist hierarchy here. They realise that the mass of the people just want to be left alone to earn their normal living, The troubles here were, in any case, purely political and not, as alleged by Mr. HO, national or racial, though the local communist propaganda organs

Mr. II's reference in paragraph 6 have, on occasions, made similar allegations.

of his report to "O's tacit acknowledgment of the fact that the majority of the population support Government and the situation here is somewhat different from

Macau is of some interest.

8.

While the allegation of timidity on the part of the local communist hierarchy (paragraph 8) is basically true, it is not surprising that they are unwilling to make any significant decisions when, by so doing, they run the risk of being labelled 'anti-MAOist'. This attitude, on their part, is likely to con- tinue until conditions in China become more settled. There is absolutely no evi- dence to support HC's contention regarding a "super-power behind the throne" who is

It is true that some local communiets unknown to anyone in local communist circles.

do operate under cover and their true power is not known to all communist supporters; their identity and the role they play is, however, known by the overt communist hierarchy. The statement that none of the members of the All Circles Anti-Persecu-

while the majority tion Struggle Committee are important is definitely inaccurate;

of the All Circles members are no more than figureheads, some of them, particularly YEUNG Kwong, the Chairman, who is also Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions, do exercise considerable power in their own right.

9.

The arguments in paragraph 9 concerning natural laws and man-made laws are somewhat fallacicus. It all depends which side you're on as to which laws are "unnatural". Nevertheless "Chinese" thinking has a part to play here

they

judge us by their standards.

10.

It is noted that the

there is no mention

It is perhaps of some interest that only passing reference was made to the 4/5 demands (paragraph 6(a) of Mr. LI's report refers). emphasis is all on concessions by the Hong Kong Government; of any quid pro quo from the communists.

11.

As far as the release of detainees is concerned (paragraph 11 refers) this is already under consideration and two have been released since this reeting under comment. Certainly Government does not need 'excuses' to release the

detainees.

12.

It would seen, from paragraph 12, thet HC Yin is the victim of communist

Government's position propaganda concerning the import of the 5,000 tons of rice.

on this issue has been reiterated on many occasions but it would appear that there is still a considerable amount of misunderstanding on this matter - possibly caused

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