0003160 G.F. 316
SECRET
Methods of Reaching the' Objective
8.
It is suggested that the methods used should be based on the assumption that the communists will, in the last resort, prefer to maintain their influence by keeping the schools open rather than see them close. If we operate on the assumption that this is not so, then the plan should simply be to close the schools as rapidly as possible, and certainly before September, and make what arrangements we can to expand secondary education either for these children or children in general. In all similar situations action proceeds by gradually putting on the squeeze because it is hoped the ultimate sanction will not be required in all cases.
9.
The plan must therefore involve increasing severity of action drawn up in such a way that it is possible to cease tightening the screws at any stage and even when closure has been achieved a retreat not involving relaxation of the objective must be possible. If we hope that any action short of permanent whole- sale closure will achieve the objective, the sooner our determination to reach the objective is seen the better.
10.
11
There is a large range of choices of actions complying with these conditions and these are analysed by extent and type. By "extent is meant the number of schools against which action should proceed at one time, and by "type" is meant the nature of the action against particular schools, masters eto.
Extent of Action
Three possible extents could be selected:
11.
Extent
(a) All hard core communist
schools involving:
6000 Middle
12000 Primary
200 Kindergarten
1500 Vocational
k
19700
Advantage
The action is applied to
all schools where eđu- ·
oation falls short. of the objective.
There is no opportunity to transfer children or
staff from one school to
another to avoid action.
Disadvantage
The scale of operation is too large for most types
of action.
The intention can be
gathered by more restricted action, accompanied by an announcement of more
extensive action.
Can be seen tobe consis- tant and is logical (to a western mind).
Where action involves
closure tuis denies all
schools premises for all types of communist activities during, say, the holidays.
SECRET
It would be impossible for communists to accept
closure in some cases as a matter of principle, or face, while unobtrusively changing methods to comply with the objective in o
other oases.
/Any type of