INWARD TELEGRAM
49A
Page 84
TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES
FROM HONG KONG (Sir A. Grantham)
Simplex
D. 26th February, 1952. R. 26th
#t
14.10 hrs.
IMMEDIATE SECRET No. 162.
Addressed to S. of S.
Repeated to Commissioner General in South East Asia
No. 53 and saving to
Peking, Tamsui, Tokyo, Manila, Bangkok, Sarawak, North Borneo (Commissioner General
please pass to fast two).
Intelligence Telegram for week ending 25 February,
1952.
Considerable uneasiness is evident among the Chinese population in the Colony as a result of vernagülar press reports of impending visit of the Comfort Mission from Canton (see para- graph 8 of my telegram No. 149) and of Chinese troop movements in Kwangtung. Latter occur mainly in Nationalist press as evidence of C.P.G.'s cold war tactics, but have nevertheless a disturbing effect on Chinese opinion in present circumstances.
2. Strength estimate of regular C.C.A. troops is again increased to a total of 225,000, of which 132,000 are in Area Y and 93,000 in Area X. Whilst the estimated strength shows an increase of 62,000 over the past six weeks, the great majority of the increase lies in Area Y and is not considered significant. Increase this week in Area Y is due to acceptance of 18th Army.
3. Seven vessels cleared for China mainland ports during the week, three of these being for North China.
4. A trade survey party from the Ryuku Islands arrived in the Colony on 25th February.
5.
Regulations controlling the Essential Supplies Certificates system were published on 22nd February and will come into force on 7th March. The new legislation improves the procedure and provides for much stiffer penalties.
6.
Mainland buying activity at very low level as a result of continued anti-corruption campaign in China.
7 Rice supply position is causing much anxiety, but steps are being taken to obtain increased supplies of Siamese rice by offering financial inducements.
8.
Situation in tramways dispute continues uneasy. There has been a slight increase in the numbers of tramway workers accepting new rates of pay despite union "persuasion" to the contrary. Left wing campaign has concentrated upon the proposed visit of the Comfort Mission from Canton and local preparations for its reception. Actual date of visit appears uncertain, although, according to Chinese loudspeaker announcements on the Pigerat182wo days ago, it was to take place today Rab84afyl826th)
when a visiting party about 250 strong would be welcomed near
/the
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.