Ref: (64) in
SCR 3/3571/71 II
Dear Crow Sau,
RECEIVED IN RØGISTRY N». 51 →) OCT 1973
1
CONFIDENTIAL
Colonial Secretariat, Security Branch, 6th floor,
Lower Albert Road, Hong Kong.
25th September, 1973.
The 'Know China' Movement
Special Branch has produced a most interesting paper on this latest manifestation of Communist United Front work within the Colony, a copy of which is attached. You may well find it useful background.
Copies have been circulated to all Heads of major departments and branches here and have been distributed to the London Office and within the intelligence machinery here.
Yours sincerely,
Jerry
Наший
(J.A. Harrison)
R.B. Crowson, Esq.,
Hong Kong Department,
Foreign and Commonwealth Office,
Whitehall,
London, S.W.1.
Encl:
REF,
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CONFIDENTIAL
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G.F. 323, 0003230
CONFIDENTIAL
File Reference: GEN/14/283
The Know China Movement"
Special Branch,
Royal Hong Kong Police.
20th August, 1973.
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INTRODUCTION
In recent years, a new trend in student activities, the "Know China Movement" has emerged. This movement which is being enthusiastically pursued by the Hong Kong Federation of Students (H.K.F.S.) and its affiliates, is intended to generate an awareness of China within local university and post-secondary student circles.
BACKGROUND
2.
The beginning of the "Know China Movement" can be traced back to early 1971 when an "Open Door Policy" was promulgated by China in connection with her so-called "Ping Pong Diplomacy". This was closely followed by propaganda extolling the achievements of China in foreign affairs including widespread diplomatic recognition, admission into the United Nations and NIXON's visit to China; in scientific fields includ- ing the successful launching of satellites and nuclear tests; and the use of acupuncture in the medical field. All these events have created interest amongst post-secondary students, who have since come increasingly to associate themselves with the "Motherland" and her fortunes in internal and international affairs. Additionaly, the events of 1967 made students realise that the continued existence of Hong Kong in its present form will be greatly influenced by the attitude of China. The living for the day which characterised the elder generation has been replaced by an awareness of the imminence of 1997. Young people now receiving their education are anxious about their future as most of them can expect to live the prime of their lives under whatever regime is in charge of China in the 1990's.
ACTIVITIES
3.
Sincemid-1971, a series of activities have been conducted by university and post-secondary students' unions with a view to generating a feeling for, and a better understanding of the "Motherland" among their members. A list of these activities is at APPENDIX 'A'. Such activities have taken the form of visits to China, photographic and cultural exhibitions, books and scientific displays, public forums and discussion camps. In order to facilitate these activities, contacts were made with Communist organisations which have offered assistance in in supplying exhibits, and in giving technical advice. Major student
/publications.....
CONFIDENTIAL
G.F. 322
0003230
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publications have carried an increasing number of articles praising the "Motherland", and the bulk of advertising space within these publications is now taken up by local communist concerns. On the other hand, the communist press gives good coverage of all student activities. The extent to which these attitudes and activities have been fostered by communists in the Colony is not at present known, but much of the enthusiasm shown is considered to be spontaneous.
4.
The Hong Kong University Students' Union (H.K.U.S.U.) and the Chinese University Students' Union (C.U.S.U.) were originally the most active protagonists in this movement. The H.K.F.S. assumed the leading role in early 1973 when a "Chinese Affairs Committee" was set up within the Federation in furtherance of this movement.
FUTURE TRENDS
5.
It can be expected that future activities of the "Chinese Affairs Committee" of the H.K.F.S. will be designed to achieve its declared aims which are:-
(a) To seek re-unification of China;
(b) To analyse ways in which this may be achieved; and
(c) To promote a national understanding of matters
concerning China.
Such activities are expected to take the form of discussions, exhibitions, film shows, contacts with overseas Chinese students, etc. The Committee has set up a tentative working plan for the latter half of 1973 which includes activities calculated to bring a "better understanding of China”. A list of these activities is at APPENDIX 'B'. In addition, student unions affiliated to the Federation will continue to organise functions to co-ordinate and support this movement.
CONFIDENTIAL
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