Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, The Far East: China, Volume VII

121.893/8–1347

Memorandum by the Consul General at Hong Kong (Hopper) to General Wedemeyer

[Hong Kong,] August 13, 1947.

Section I. Recovery of Hong Kong

[Here follows survey of Hong Kong’s recovery, political status, and Sino-British relations.]

The influx of Chinese political groups, particularly the Kmt and Communist elements, have given the British some cause for concern. The Kmt groups operate here mainly for the purpose of keeping track of the activities of the Communists, while the latter after their flight from China are using Hong Kong for a base of operations.

Section IV. Activities of Communist Elements in Hong Kong

Beginning early in 1946 quite a few Communist leaders took up residence in Hong Kong for the purpose of publishing small newspapers known as the the “mosquito press” for dissemination throughout South China. Most of these publications had been suppressed in China and then took advantage of British hospitality to come to Hong Kong. Under British law publishers of newspapers or periodicals, regardless of political affiliations, are permitted to operate as long as they conform to British law. In these cases these publishers were warned that they should print nothing derogatory to the Hong Kong Government or mix up in local politics. Local officials have stated that the Communist group has been remarkably well behaved and has played the game as far as local law is concerned. At the same time Hong Kong authorities are aware that the Chinese Government looks with great disfavor upon the use of Hong Kong by groups who oppose their Government. These small newspapers last for a few months and then discontinue operations, while others take their place. The lack of continuity is mainly due to lack of funds more than anything else. Communist leaders come and go and their stay in Hong Kong is by no means permanent, as frequently they move on to other countries such as Indo-China, Philippines, India and the East Indies.

Editorials in these Chinese newspapers of the leftist groups follow the usual lines adopted by the Communist press elsewhere. The favorite object of criticism is of course “American imperialism in the Far East”. They can find no good in anything attempted or advocated by our Government. A running line of bitter criticisms characterized their editorials ever since I arrived in Hong Kong in October 1945. Although they share the eagerness of the Kmt and all other Chinese groups to receive the bounties of Uncle Sugar, this does not prevent the local Communist press from attacking our motives. The Wedemeyer mission has not been spared in any respect. This mission, according to the Communist press in Hong Kong, was sent to China for the purpose of submitting recommendation that we continue to aid the Nationalist Government by extending loans and prolonging the civil war. Even a visit on the part of a few Army officers in Formosa, who came from Tokyo on a few days leave, was sufficient to provoke an accusation that we are taking over Formosa.

For awhile early in this year one General Li Chai Sun,⁹⁸ was considered to be the leader of the leftists group, although he insisted he was still a member of the Kmt. He acquired prominence about two months ago when he gave a public statement to local newspapers. Among other things he stated that he was a member of the Kmt and an old friend of the Generalissimo. He also stated, in reply to a question, that he was not promoting the secession of South China but that he thought it might be a good thing for the country if the movement was of a democratic nature and in support of the masses. On account of this statement which was very critical of the Central Government also by reason of other public statements, General Li Chai Sun was recently dropped from the Kmt Party.

With respect to rumors concerning the secession of South China the Consulate General has been unable to connect these rumors with any responsible sources. Some people have stated that the separation of South China from the rest of the country might be looked upon with favor by the British in Hong Kong as it would place Hong Kong in a very strategic position with regard to the export and import trade. However these assertions are mere guesswork and I have found no Britisher who has even expressed an opinion on the point regardless of what he may actually feel. I do not think that any serious minded Britisher, whether a businessman or a Government man, would actually promote such a movement. On the other hand, if China should fall apart and South China succeed in setting up a government of its own, I do not think that the average British businessman would delay joining the bandwagon and that he would do this mainly for business reasons, without regard to the ultimate effect on political relations with other countries.

98. Li Chi-shen.