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return to Hong Kong in 1973 the group divided because of differences of opinion over T.F.I. ideology and two members each formed their own groups, namely the R.M.L. (originally known as the Revolutionary Internationalist League) and the
I.S.L.
6.
The 70's Bi-weekly group (of which there remain between 10 and 15 convinced members) produces the "70's Bi-weekly Magazine". This purports to cater for students, but also contains articles of an anti-Government nature. The group has involved itself in many Student/New Left protests in Hong Kong and there have been instances when members have taken part in unauthorised public demonstrations resulting in their being convicted in court. The 70's Bi-weekly group is currently maintaining a low profile and owing to shortage of funds its magazine has not been published since August 1975.
7.
The Revolutionary Marxist League is probably the most active of all the New Left groups and publishes two magazines "Combat Bulletin" and "Outcry". Its political affiliations lie with the Japanese Branch of the Trotskyist Fourth International, which is known to have helped the R.M.L. financially. Its hard core consists of about thirty members. Since mid-1974, there have been over 25 incidents and issues in which the R.M.L. has taken part or been present and there is record of 11 members having been arrested by the police and subsequently convicted. In some cases the I.S.L. and 70's Bi-weekly have co-operated.
8.
The International Socialist League's publications are "Rive Gauche" and "October Review" and its strength also consists of about thirty regular supporters. It is aligned to the China Branch of the T.F.I. In common with the R.M.L., the publications are often highly inflammatory and critical of Hong Kong Government. More recently the Chinese People's Government's policies and actions have been censured particularly in connection with the disturbances in the Tien An Men Square in Peking in April 1976.
9.
The range of activities of the New Left is wide and covers support for workers in labour disputes and tenants in rent disputes; demonstrations outside consular premises; distribution of leaflets critical of Government policy or" anti- establishment"; support of street hawkers; and the organisation of public meetings. Recently, a combined New Left rally took place, with official permission, at Victoria Park in May 1976 to protest about the detention of prisoners by the C.P.G. following the Tien An Men disturbances. A protest outside the South African Consulate-General in June 1976 by the 70's Bi-weekly was directed against the apartheid policies of the South African Government.
10.
What about the attitude of Hong Kong students? Although from time to time some students have joined forces with the New Left to register protests, generally speaking the student body and the New Left regard each other with mutual
/contd....
CONFIDENTIAL
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