CAB129-35 — Page 99

Page 99

:.

༢.. -

Page 99

Page 99

42

5.

ம்

Position of Communists in Hong Kong Page 100 of 366

Page 100 Hong Kong, being geographically and racially a part of China, has no politics of its own but reflects the politics of China. Immigrants from China far outnumber the Hong Kong Chinese, who themselves have an eye over their shoulder on China. Hong Kong provides a home of refuge for any party in China out of power, and, in accordance with Hong Kong's tradition of neutrality and non-interference in the political affairs of China, supporters of the Kuomintang regime and of the Communists have alike been allowed to reside in Hong Kong provided they obey the law and do not behave so as to damage relations between His Majesty's Government and the Government of China. With the retirement of Chiang Kai-shek and the defeat of the National Forces in North China, Kuomintang influence in Hong Kong. has greatly declined. More important, Communists inside Hong Kong have left for China, and Communists in Hong Kong have so far shown little signs of attacking the

administration.

It has, however, now been reported that an attempt is being made to unify the command of the Communist irregular forces in South China and to establish a liaison office in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Communists have received a Chinese Communist Party Directive to mobilise peasants, intellectuals, overseas-Chinese businessmen, etc., for the purpose of supporting the southward drive by the main Communist forces.

6.

Action in Hong Kong in anticipation of the emergency

(i) Food Supplies

These are at present adequate. A stock of rice, estimated at six months supply, is held, and the Colony has been stock-piling certain commodities which might run short in an emergency.

(ii)

Police Force

The Police Force in Hong Kong has recently been greatly expanded, and its strength is now double that of 1941.

(iii) Possible refugee influx

Measures have already been concerted to close the land frontier of Hong Kong with military assistance to prevent a serious influx of refugees. The necessary material (barbed wire, pickets, etc.) is available locally. Measures are also in hand to establish, with the assistance of the naval authorities, coastal patrols by sea and land to prevent, as far as possible, any influx across the sea frontier.

(iv) Measures against subversive activities

The Government has also taken power to enable it to control more effectively subversive activities. It has not only enacted the Illegal Strikes Ordinance, but has taken powers which have enabled it to close Communist controlled schools such as the Tak Tak College. In connection with outspoken attacks on British and American policy in Communist- controlled newspapers in Hong Kong, the Governor has recently sought guidance on the question of closing these organs down in the last resort, though he appreciates that this could not be done if it were to conflict with His Majesty's Government's general policy or embarrass His Majesty's Ambassador in any negotiations. This matter is still under consideration.