TNAG-0313-FCO40-349-Reports-of-typhoons-and-storms-from-Hong-Kong-Typhoon-Rose---1976 — Page 8

SECRET

2

gained considerable revenue from taxing the Chinese population. communist press was, however, relatively mild in its criticism of Government's efforts.

The

7. On the same day TAM Kon, Assistant Editor in Chief of the Hong Kong Branch of the N.C.N.A., called on the Political Adviser to appraise him officially of the Chinese contribution. TAM asked for Government's co-operation in avoiding trouble in the distribution of the money, which he said would be by cheque rather than in cash: he further said that no help was needed in selecting recipients of the aid.

$

8. Also, on 24th August, most exceptionally, the Director of N.C.N.A. LEUNG Wai Lam, appeared in public, visiting typhoon victims, and the Chairman of the F.T.U., YEUNG Kwong, appeared on television, announcing the formation of a committee to supervise distribution of the money. LEUNG and YEUNG had, incidentally, both visited Canton immediately before the gift was announced, although the reason for their visit is not known.

9.

Since then, members of various communist circles, ranging from film stars to schoolchildren have made visits to typhoon victims, giving maximum publicity to the Chinese gift. In more practical terms, the communists have set up centres in the New Territories and in urban centres to register potential recipients of relief, irrespective of their political views. All communist unions have been directed to form teams to register victims in the urban areas on a district basis and from their respective unions. For registration purposes a set pro-forma has been issued to all unions for completion and return to the F.T.U. In the New Territories teams of communists have also made house to house calls. So far some $500,000 has been distributed by the Hong Kong Seamen's Union to bereaved families, the bulk of this sum going to families of seamen lost on the s.s. FAT SHAN and 8.s. LEE HONG, who each received $5,000.

Comments

10.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(a)

(e)

The Chinese acted very promptly. The typhoon was at its height in the early hours of 17th August. The first Peking announcement was datelined 22 August.

The sum involved is far greater than any previous contribu- tion of this nature. It appears to be disproportionately large, and designed to some extent to embarrass the Hong Kong Government.

The money was remitted by the Chinese Red Cross, Peking, an institution of international repute. All previous C.P.G. financial contributions have come from the C.P.R.A. at provincial level. The Hong Kong Red Cross was merely asked to transmit a telegram to the F.T.U. and C.G.C.C.

The communists saw fit to send TAM Kon to call on the P.A. to announce the gift through this link.

1

The public appearances of LEUNG Wai Lan and YEUNG Kwong are most exceptional. In the past, LEUNG has in particular taken great care to avoid the limelight.

(f)

Communist propaganda, although critical, has generally refrained from hostile attacks on Government over relief to the victims.

(g)

Pains have been taken to give the impression that the relief will be handed out impartially.

SECRET

...../3

}