0003160 G.F. 316
SECRET
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Extent
(c) Selection of a
single sohool
in raided
premises.
Advantage
Closure, even prolonged closure,
can be regarded with greater equanimity.
If action is resisted this
enables our intentions to be
tested to the limit without immediately having all the children on our hands.
Enables the communists to
understand our objective in
a way we could never explain.
A pause can be left for them
to decide whether to continue resistam e and risk losing all their schools.
Disadvantage
Appears arbitrary if
seen as an isolated
action, but this is
offset by the fact that
even the raids
proceeded piece-neal.
The children could almost certainly be accommodated elsewhere
and be treated as
martyrs.
Type of Action
12.
Possible types of action are listed below. Where "closure" is referred to it is closure under Section 51 of the Education Ordinance. This action enables the Director of Education to close a school for a definite period if he is of the opinion that the conduct of managers, teachers or pupils has been unsatis- factory. There is no appeal: closure takes place immediately. Closure orders can be renewed or ourtailed or lifted with conditions. This is a most powerful weapon which would be entirely appropriate under present circumstances.
Туре
(a) Increased school
inspection.
Advantage
Shows a presence where there
is none at present.
Gives a hint of things
to come.
Essential component of all types of action and may involve establishment of a
special inspectorate
stiffened with Police
officers.
SECRET
Disadvantage
Probably ineffective on
its own because casual
inspection will show
that meetings of some sort are being held which are
either:-
(i) classes held unlaw-
fully during a holiday; or
(ii) uses of a school for
non-educational
purposes without
consent of D. of E.
and thus expose a
breach of the law,
/(b) Action..