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determination of the local Communists to continue their campaign
and the success of the Hong Kong Government in maintaining its authority.
Chinese Pressure
6.
us.
There are various means by which the Chinese could exert pressure upon
There are massive communist propaganda resources inside Hong Kong,
including newspapers, book-shops and cinemas.
Recent events have shown
that most Chinese in Hong Kong are capable of withstanding the propaganda
but the impact could be severe if public confidence were to be shaken by other
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pressures
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7. Demonstrations and industrial action can easily be instigated in the
if
crowded conditions of Hong Kong. These, kaxx widespread and prolonged,
could exhaust the police and lead the military forces into becoming fully
committed to the task of maintaining internal security. It is easy enough
for the Chinese to mount demonstrations on the frontier, which could also have
an effect of our own police and military resources. Hong Kong's economy
could be seriously damaged by prolonged strikes fomented for political
reasons. In general, however, only a small proportion of the Chinese in
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Hong Kong could be described as pro-communist and, unless the communists
can create conditions which will give general grounds for dissatisfaction, Llien
the extension of widespread disorders/ may prove difficult.
8.
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and stakes.
Hong Kong is, however, heavily dependent on China for its fool and
water. Food from alternative sources could be found but would be much more
costly and the increased food bill could, unless subsidised to the consumer,
have a serious impact on the cost of living and therefore on wage levels and
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Hong Kong's competitive position in export markets. Hong Kong herself can
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