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INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES
FROM HONG KONG. (Sir A.Grantham)
Simplex D. 15th January,1952
R. 15th
#
18.20 hrs.
IMMEDIATE.
SEORET
No.48.
Addressed 8. of S.
Repeated Commissioner General Singapore No.17.
and savingram to Tokyo, Tamsui, Manila, Bangkok, Peking, Sarawak, North Borneo, (Singapore please pass to last two).
Intelligence telegram for week ending
14th January.
While there has been no major change in public opinion the hitherto remarkably resilient mood of the Chinese population is now being seriously affected by the prevailing trade depression and the uncertain international situation. There are some signs of nervousness in Chinese circles probably due in part to recent increased aggressiveness of local left wing activities. Main cause of this deterioration in morale is, however, the growing conviction that there is no prospect of any considerable improvement in the economic situation in the foreseeable future.
2.
Strength estimates in this and all future telegrams will be based on a new system recently agreed by the War Office and GH.Q. Far East Land Forces. Strength in area. "x" (old overall area) is now estimated at 78,000 and strength in area "y" at 85,000. Overall total "X" and "y" areas (which together roughly consist of Kwangtung Province and Southern Hunan) is 163,000.
3.
Five vessels have cleared for China mainland ports during the week of which one was for North China. Nett tonnage of ocean going vessels entering Hong Kong during December increased slightly to 67,500 tons or 72,500 tons below monthly average for 1950/51. Cargo discharged increased to 250,000 tons 38,000 tons below average over last year. Cargo loaded also rose to 142,500 tons which is, however, 50,000 tons below 1950/51 average.
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