SECRET
CONFRONTATION
Then the disturbances began in early May, they followed a pattern of disjointed and spontaneous incidents
consisting of demonstrations and riotous gatherings which
from time to time degenerated into unplanned acts of
violence. The pattern then changed to one of attempts to foment strike actim aimed mainly at transport and other
public and essential services. When these efforts failed
to cause the measure of disruption hoped for, the younger and more militant elements amongst the Communist supporters gained in influence and with propaganda backing from Paking
the pattern once again changed, this time to one of pre-planned
deliberately staged acts of violence in which explosives
and various incediary devices were used. The targets for
these attacks were mainly the police and public transport; at the same time, attempts at intimidation were intensified.
2. To counter this development the Hong Kong authorities
decidød a few days ago to adopt Lore positive measures fær dealing with the situation: these have involved planned operations against a mumber of Communist-owned buildings known to be the focal points from which Communist operations were being directed. The police achieved their objectives,
in some cases against determined resistance. Severel
hundred people have been arrested including a number of
persons of special intelligence and security interest.
3. The role of the military in these operations has been confined to cordon duties and engineer assistance in breaking down iron and steel grilles.
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These neasures have had a very beneficial effect
on public and police morale and have caused apprehension and loss of morale in the Communist leadership. It is
too early to say whether they will cause the leadership to
think again about their campaign of violence. There is as
yet no indication of any marked reaction in Peking.
SECRET
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