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QUESTION 3.
BACKGROUND,
Do you consider Chinese military intervention likely?
Since August, when there was a serious incident at Shau Tau
Kok in which five police were killed, there have been a number of border
incidents. These have originated in demonstrations and attacks against the
Hong Kong police posts by civilians living across the border, among whom
there have been members of the Chinese militia. Strong feeling appears to
have been whipped up on the Chinese side of the border by Peking's inflammatory
propaganda and by false reports from the Communists in Hong Kong. There has
been no evidence of involvement by the Chinese Army; on recent occasions bursts
of small-arms fire have been directed into Hong Kong territory but it would
seem that these have been intended as warnings, possibly to their own people.
On a number of occasions the Chinese Army has been seen to be restraining
would-be demonstrators and preventing such excursions.
QUESTION 4.
BACKGROUND.
What are your views on labour conditions in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong wages are low by British but not by Asian standards. In general, conditions of work in Hong Kong are second only to those in Japan amongst Asian countries. It has also to be remembered that Hong Kong has to meet the low cost competition of neighbouring countries in overseas markets. Wage rates, in fact, increased overall by more than 70% during the period 1958-65 and since the cost of living is reported to have risen by 14% over
roughly the same period, these increases represent a substantial advance
in terms of real wages.
For some time we have been in consultation with the Governor on a
reduction in hours of work of women and young persons. This stands at 60 hours per week; 48 hours per week is prescribed by I.L.O. Convention.
Legislation has been brought in to provide necessary additional powers to
effect a reduction in these hours and it is hoped shortly to reach agreement on a phased programme to reduce to a 48-hour week over the next 3 to 4 years.
QUESTION 5. Have you any proposals in mind for constitutional advance in
Hong Kong?
BACKGROUND.
due coûrse:
China regards Hong Kong as Chinese territory to be recovered in
it has been made clear to us that in the meantime the status quo
in the Colony should be maintained. This attitude precludes us from any moves
that might take Hong Kong along the normal Colonial progression to self- government and independence.
/There
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