CONFIDENTIAL
7
23.
In 1969, the population exceeded the four million mark for the first time and was estimated at the end of the year at 4,039,700. A new census is imminent, and this may well prove to be an under-estimate. The birth-rate continued to decline, and now stands at 19.9 per 1,000 population compared with 37.1 in 1960. The death-rate also continued to decline, standing now at 4.7 per 1,000 population compared with 6.4 in 1960. Nearly 40% of the population are under 15 years of age and this is a major contributing reason for the exceptionally low death-rate: as it is a major factor in the consideration of educational problems.
24.
us.
The local Communists have continued their long term campaign to increase their presently very limited support within the Colony to a point where they can hope to dominate
Propaganda apart, their main concern has been to exploit the more intractable of our problems hawkers, resettlement, labour disputes, transport problems and corruption. A particular effort has been made to increase the size and influence of Communist trade unions. On the whole, despite intensive efforts and the support of a press which is often libellous, habitually seditious and guilty of constant distortions, they have made limited progress. Much of the support they have gained, particularly among transport workers and in unions generally, has come from those who do not support the Communist cause but are attracted by the welfare and other benefits which are provided modern versions of the "rice-bowl Christians".
25.
On the whole, the Communists have been giving rather less trouble during the period under review than in previous recent periods. Their concentration on a long term strategy of winning new adherents will tend to preclude any serious brushes with authority in the short term. Their October 1st celebrations passed off very quietly, for example. The release of the last "newsworker" in October and the release by China of Grey, Barrymaine, the Gordons and Captain Will were further steps towards more normal relations; but their effect was unhappily offset by the detention in Shanghai of McBain and Mrs. Martin and the arrest of Captain Ray and Duff in March, even though these last four have now been released.
CONFIDENTIAL
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