CONFIDENTIAL
2
like gradually to extend the effectiveness of Government action in the Walled City and will do so when we can, but we shall proceed gradually and have no intention of pushing the policy so far that we encounter serious opposition. One section where we think we might make a bit of a push concerns the fire risk in schools. We know that there are a number of schools in the Walled in very dangerous premises and we think something might be done to close them down or to improve their safety precautions. It is hardly a policy that the communists or the Chinese Government could criticise.
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5.
We also have it in mind that there could well be a large building collapse or fire in the Walled City which would give us the opportunity to seize control of part of it and prevent re-building. We might even have to carry out further demolitions in order to reduce the danger. We are therefore going to prepare contingency plans against these possibilities.
6.
The enclosed paper is therefore for your back- ground information at the moment. If all goes well, the Kowloon Walled City should not be the subject of any Immediate telegrams in the next five years at least.
7.
by adminislative
I am sending copies of this letter to John Denson in Peking, Reg. Hibbert in Singapore and Anthony Elliott in Washington.
Enclosure.
Mi Carivora.
Morlumay
S.R.
Your
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Arthur.
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CONFIDENTIAL
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