Wikileaks founder Julian Assange says he has had indirect contact with people associated with Edward Snowden, an ex-CIA contractor behind massive leaks over top-secret US surveillance programs.

Former CIA employee Edward Snowden was believed to be staying at this hotel in Hong Kong when he revealed details of top secret US surveillance programs to the Guardian newspaper.

But by Tuesday, Edward Snowden's whereabouts were unclear.

Fugitive Wikileaks founder Julian Assange said he has had some contact with people close to Snowden, but didn't give much away when speaking to Australian television.

(SOUNDBITE)(English) WIKILEAKS FOUNDER JULIAN ASSANGE, SAYING:

"We have had indirect communication with his people."

(SOUNDBITE)(English) LATELINE PRESENTER EMMA ALBERICI, SAYING:

"What do you mean?"

(SOUNDBITE)(English) WIKILEAKS FOUNDER JULIAN ASSANGE, SAYING:

"I don't think it's appropriate at this time that I go into further details."

In Hong Kong - news of Snowden's flight to the city was front page news.

But some residents are bemused by his decision to seek refuge in the city.

(SOUNDBITE) (Cantonese) 33-YEAR-OLD PHONE SALESMAN, RAYMOND LAU, SAYING:

"The strangest thing is that in Hong Kong, we think Chinese people hiding in foreign countries and seeking asylum is something normal, but on the other hand, in our minds it's rather strange that a foreigner seeks shelter in Hong Kong. We would seldom think foreigners would do this."

The leaks, some of the most significant in U.S. history, have sent shockwaves through Washington.