0003160 G.F. 316
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22.
During the next few days preparations were made for another food strike to begin on 29th June, this time to last for four days. In an effort to make the strike more effective, local communist food importers suspended food deliveries from China resulting in some shortage of pork and eggs. This interference with the flow of food from China, although only temporary, was a new phase in confrontation, but it appears that it was organised on local rather than mainland initiative, as food continued to arrive at the border, but was refused by local importers. As with the previous stoppage, this move won no friends for the communist cause and it seems that it was designed to remind the Hong Kong Government and the population generally how dependent they are on supplies from China.
23.
A further border incident occurred on 30th June when a police inspector visiting a post at Sha Tau Kok was harangued from across the border by C.P.G. guards, and later that night a large firecracker, or small bomb of the type used for fishing, exploded near the post.
24.
On 30th June the communist press reported that relatives and friends of "martyrs' who had been killed during the confrontation had held a press conference the day before and put forward demands for the disclosure of the causes of death, identification and punishment of the "murderers", provision of a burial plot and monuments for the deceased, non-interference with communist organised funeral ceremonies and compensation and gratuities for relatives. On 30th June a police corporal and two constables appeared in court charged with wounding a demonstrator in court cells, who subsequently died, and in this respect mention was made of mole serious charges to follow.
25.
In addition to the wide publicity given to all statements emanating from China, the communist press continued its anti- Government campaign throughout the month. Alleged increased persecution by Government was reported and the actions of the
The Government communists were recounted as unqualified successes. counter-propaganda campaign, however, forced the communists onto the defensive and they devoted much space to denouncing the "rumour-mongering department" i.e. the Information Services Department. The Police Force also received particular attention; letters were printed purporting to be from Chinese policemen alleging dissatisfaction in the Force, and many letters were sent to police officers calling on them to turn on their officers and similar letters to other Government servants called on them to rise against the British. The communists gained a valuable propaganda weapon on 25th June when they assumed control of Radio Vila Verde in Macau, which by the end of the month was broadcasting communist versions of the news on Hong Kong, "patriotic" music and plays together with greyhound racing results.
26.
Despite the indications of trouble to come, the month ended on a generally bright note. The major communist effort of
Restricted the month - the general strike had failed in its aims. bus services were being maintained; gas and electricity supplies had not been affected, and only one ferry route had ceased to operate. There were indications that the steady trickle of strikers returning to work would continue.
27.
The
The month of June saw little right-wing activity. right-wing press continued to support Government, and became even more outspoken in its criticism of the communists and their tactics. On 12th June, 26 Kuomintang Intelligence Service agents who had been arrested in the Colony between 6th and 9th March were deported to Taiwan.
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