0003160 G.F. 316
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SECRET
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IV
10.
Eastern District Licensed Hawkers' Fraternal
Association (E.D.L.H.F.A.)
The E.D.L.H.F.A., which restricts its operations to the Wanchai and Shaukiwan areas, has been in existence since 1965 and has a current membership of some 500. Although ostensibly a neutral organisation, the E.D.L.H.F.A. is well infiltrated by communists at its Executive Committee level, (under the leadership of the Vice-Chairman) and several
Committee members are known as members of the communist
controlled Chinese Reform Association (C.R.A.). There is no evidence available, at present, to suggest there is any direct relationship existing between the E.D.L.H.F.A. and the C.R.A.; however, it is nevertheless a fact that many
C.R.A. members are hawkers. The activities of the communist
elements in the E.D.L.H.F.A. became so overt during the violent phase of confrontation that the Chairman of the Association, who is believed to be communist inclined and who is a member of the C.R.A., suspended normal meetings in an apparent effort to hinder contact between the Committee and the mass
of members. Later in the year, he informed the Police of his
concern over the control of the Association.
His activities
at that time have all the ear-marks of political opportunism and it is believed then his motive was to have "a foot in both camps". Since 1967 no major hawker clearances or similar operations have been initiated in the area of E.D.L.H.F.A. influence and, possibly for that reason, the Association has remained inactive since that time; however, it remains in being and could doubtless be re-activated at any time if the communists wished to so do.
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