stig. on 55/51/01.
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copy for 1257/51/01.
Little change in public opinion, apart from some steadying of morale among Chinese population after the nervousness of the past three weeks. Left wing press in
the Colony is endeavouring to keep Chinese Foreign Ministry's recent statement in the public mind by all available means, including publication of declarations of support by local Communist sympathisers. News of the death of King George VI was received with genuine sorrow in all sections of the community.
6. Situation in Tramways dispute remains uneasy and there may be serious trouble on 15th February when the management intends to issue pay to those workers who have voluntarily accepted new conditions of service. Distribution of relief funds from Canton to alleged victims of the Tung Tau Squatter Area fire (see paragraph 8 of my telegram No. 111) took place on 10th February without incident. Latest move in this connection is the proposal to send a "Comfort Mission" of 15 members (some of whom are previous deportees from the Colony) from Canton allegedly to enquire into the victims' plight and hear their complaints against the Hong Kong Government. No date has yet been announced for this visit. It is intended to intercept the Mission Pagea 13off F82 its members entry into the Colony.
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