CO_968_257_COMMUNIST_ACTIVITIES_IN_HONG_KONG_1952 — Page 102

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No significant change in public opinion. Left wing press has continued its campaign to exploit nervousness resulting from recent Chinese propaganda attacks on the Colony, which are also being sustained by organised publicity in Canton.

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7. C.P.G. anti corruption purge has now led to examination of accounts of Communist controlled firms in Hong Kong and Macao, and this, together with reduction of trading activity due to Chinese New Year, is partly responsible for excessively low figures for January trade.

8. Some 400 tramway workers out of a total of 1,700 drew their first pay under new conditions of service on 15th February. Picketing was peaceful and there were no incidents, but extremist opposition in Tramways Union has hardened rather than weakened in consequence. F.T.U. continue active preparations for reception of Comfort Mission from Canton to the alleged victims of the Tung Tau squatter area fire accompanied by much publicity. No definite date has yet been set for the Mission's arrival. Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, no doubt on instigation from Canton, has now enquired Government's attitude in the matter and is being informed that the Mission will not (repeat not) be given permission to enter. the Colony.

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PageTU3 UFOMPLIMENTS

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UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE

FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Hall ladylar Office

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1952

Forei Prag fick 03 ofhoe 1b3 of 182

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14. 2, 1952

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No. 7 (7/1-1/52) (& 2 copies)

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