SECRET
(f)
Government of regulations against inflammatory and seditious material and calling on the British authorities to desist.
No. 774 refers).
(My telegram
A sustained anti-Government propaganda campaign which has sought to counter the colony-wide support of Government by allegations that much
of this support is fabricated and that the majority of the people are opposed to Government's measures in opposition to the confrontation. The basic appeal is to the Chinese patriotic sentiment; and a great deal is being made of the support given by China to the 4/5 demands. The principal Government target continues to be the police force.
(g) The issue of a bi-weekly English language edition of the T.K.P. which reiterates articles from N.C.N.A., People's Daily and the Chinese language edition of T.K.P. It appears that this publication is designed for overseas circulation as well as for the local foreign community. Its circulation is dropping as is that of both T.K.P. and W.W.P. the two main procommunist Chinese language papers. The scattering of anti-Government leaflets around the town has been another innovation, although, so far, this particular medium for propaganda has not been sustained.
(h) The advice to all employees of Communist concerns
and members of Communist organisations to stockpile food and other essential commodities, for as long as three months, in preparation for a further escalation of confrontation, should this be started by the Communists or (in their eyes) by Government.
(i) Talk in the unions and rumours of violent strike
action. These were rife during last week but have died down. The terms of the People's Daily editorial has contributed to the reduction of emphasis on violence. Intimidation continues but remains on a fairly low key.
•
(j) A deterioration of morale in a number of Communist
organisations particularly in the commercial sphere, where, hotheads apart, there is evidence of a marked desire to continue with "business as usual".
20
•
There were indications last week that Peking is embarrassed by the extent to which local communist leaders have become involved in a confrontation with the Hong Kong Government. The emphasis of the C.P.G. editorial appearing in the People's Daily of 3 June was on the need for the local hierarchy to plan for a long struggle and to build up the necessary organisation. It is possibly of some significance that no mention was made in it of the five demands nor was there any direct threat of intervention by the C.P.G. The Hong Kong working class were named as the spearhead of the struggle and there was a definite implication that the local Communists cannot expect active support, other than by way of propaganda,
SECRET
/from
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.