TNAG-0103-FCO40-139-Briefs-and-background-notes-for-Lord-Shepherd-1967 — Page 86

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BACKGROUND NOTES

COMMUNIST CONFRONTATION

NO. 5

The disturbances in Hong Kong started in early May after a series of

industrial disputes in one of which, because of demonstrations and

obstructive picketing, the police had to intervene. The pro-Communist

Press supported unions' demands for the release of those arrested,

compensation, punishment of the police involved and no nore police

interference in trade disputes. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs

on 15 May castigated the Hong Kong Government for "fascist atrocities"

and demanded that they should accept the unions' demands.

2.

What began as a genuine labour dispute changed its character and was

taken up and exploited by local Communists with the aid of hooligan elements,

sone of whom were paid. Organised demonstrations were mounted as a direct

and deliberate challenge to the authority of the Government. In some cases

these were orderly, but in others they led to disturbances involving police

action, Public support rallied strongly to the Government: a large

number of organisations came out spontaneously and openly in support of the

Goverment. The demonstrations ceased on 22nd May.

3. The local Communists then switched to organising stoppages,

particularly in the public utilities (e.g. transport and electricity);

this included an attempt to disrupt the import of food from China.

Despite widespread intimidation and the use of considerable funds (from

mainland sources), these activities were no more successful than the

demonstrations although they did to some extent disrupt the life of the

Colony. Rather did they further alienate the general public.

4. Fron about mid-July the Comunists increased their violence, using

bombs, bottles and iron bars in attacks on the public and organising

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/violent