CONFIDENTIAL
interest to accept the status quo, there are certain questions
on which they are particularly sensitive. They have always been
quick to react to any action by the Hong Kong Government which
they considered a threat to the Communist press or schools, or
to the trade unions. But provided that due heed is paid to their
known susceptibilities, the Chinese are likely to acquiesce in
the way the Colony is administered.
CURRENT CHINESE POLICY
4.
The evolution of more stable and pragmatic policies in
China itself has been reflected in the Chinese attitude towards
Hong Kong. The local Hong Kong communists are under firm
instructions from Peking to stay within the law and to direct
their activities to building a broad political base in the
Colony. While some local Communists are probably restive under
these restraints, the Communist leadership appears to have
accepted the current line. Confrontation prisoners still serving
sentences for their part in the disturbances in 1967, (23 at the
beginning of the year), remain a continuing point of friction in
Sino/Hong Kong relations, although there is little pressure from
the local communists for their release at the moment. (See Brief
No 5).
5. The border has remained relatively calm since the disturb-
ances of 1967. Occasional minor incidents occur, such as stone-
throwing by children on the Chinese side. Last year such incidents
were rare. The only major one was the accidental crossing of the
border at Shataukok by 2 British army vehicles containing 8
soldiers in May. They were detained for some hours by the
Chinese and then released. We regarded this reaction as
Illegal immigrants from China normally attempt to
cooperative.
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