TNAG-0065-FCO40-101-Local-intelligence-reports-1968 — Page 148

0003160 G.F. 316

SECRET

-11-

known to be taking place in various locations in the Colony to plan their campaign. May 22nd at first appcared likely to be but a

foretaste of what was to come in the next few days, but surprisingly

the major defeat of the Communists on this day introduced a

temporary but uneasy lull.

19.

No further mass demonstrations or physical confrontation

with Government or Police took place before the end of the month.

An all out attempt was now made by the left-wing press to make

political capital out of the events of May 22nd. This was

effectively countered partly by Government propaganda, but also by

protestations of fidelity and support which came in from an ever

increasing number of public spirited organisations in the Colony,

ranging from hawkurs' associations to powerful commercial houses and

right-wing unions. To counter their defeat the Communists had to

find some means to demonstrate effectively to the public the extent

of their influence and support. Another factor which could not be

underestimated at this stage, was an entirely spontaneous vote of

confidence and thanks to the Folice Force, introduced by a number

of firms in the Colony which inaugurated a Fund for the higher

education of Police Officers on 18th lay. This caught on like

wildfire and by the end of the month, had, with assistance

of a $1 million donation from the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club,

reached the gratifying total of some 3 million. This, it is known,

hurt the communist cause more than might have been expected.

Accordingly, the emphasis of the communist confrontation began to

shift and they began to concentrate upon their propaganda campaign

and the introduction of a series of flash token strikes in public

utilities and services, bolstered by a stepping up of the poster

campaign. It was notable that these token strik s usually

involved only unproductive workers, and that care was being taken

not to cause strikes which would alienate the uncommitted majority

of the population, whose support the Communists were actively

seeking to enlist.

SECRET

/20.