CONFIDENTIAL
BRIEF FOR VISIT TO HONG KONG BY DR. D. OWEN
PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
20
HKK 10/12
Political:
Since the cessation of the Communist inspired disturbances
in the Colony at the end of 1967, the Communists have virtually
eschewed violence in their confrontation with the authorities.
However, they have shown no signs whatever of abandoning their
efforts to undermine the authority of the Government and they have
embarked upon a long term ideological "struggle" for the hearts and
minds of the masses: as part of their campaign they seize upon
every opportunity to criticise the Government on whatever grounds
appear to offer the best chance of success at any given time. So
far, their efforts to win the support of the masses appear to have
had little or no success. This is no doubt due in part to the
fact that approximately one-third of the population of Hong Kong
consists of refugees from Communist China who have experienced at
first hand the delights of Chinese Communism and who have "voted
with their feet" for the way of life that Hong Kong can offer them.
A total of 54 persons was detained in Hong Kong under
Emergency Regulations as a result of their participation in the
1967 disturbances: all but 4 of these detainees have now been
released. The remainder will be released as soon as the security
situation permits.
Mr March
le. R
on briefs fill then p.6.
Pl. sand original to M°W.M. Davies, D.S.5. Room 8381, Min of Space.
Hong Kong Department
ANG
Defence.
27/3
27 March, 1969
CONFIDENTIAL
27.3.69
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