0003230
G.F. 323
CONFIDENTIAL
4
(e)
(£)
(iii) The Security Risk
Any clearance operations in the vicinity of the Walled City might generate some opposition, but it is not expected that implementation of the development plan will create an unacceptable internal security risk. Hitherto the C.P.G. has only shown concern over operations in the Walled City and in the "sensitive zone", i.e. the disputed area on the eastern fringe of the Walled City. Since both of these areas are excluded from the development plan, C.P.G. reaction is unlikely. There should be no clearance operations in the Walled City or the "sensitive zone" which might jeopardise implementation of the development plan. The British Mission in Peking should however be kept informed in advance of any action being taken.
Priorities for Clearance.
Although Area 'A' of the development plan appears most suitable, technically, for immediate clearance, the road widening schemes are more urgent, and, if explained as part of a plan for easing congestion at the Kowloon City Roundabout, are likely to be most acceptable to the public. This could be. important in the event of opposition. Since the widening of Carpenter Road involves clearance of some 190 shops, it will be necessary either to pay compensation in lieu of resettlement or to construct shops in Area 'C' to accommodate those affected. The widening of Tung Tau Tsuen Road should therefore have priority, since it affects only about 30 shops in the existing Tung Tau Cottage resettlement area.
Recommendation.
It is recommended that :
(i)
Clearance of the area on the general lines of the revised "Nunnery Site" development plan should take place subject to (iii) below, as this involves no unacceptable security risk;
(ii) The "sensitive zone" should, for the present, be treated as part of the Walled City ;
(iii) Even with the provision of maximum shop
units in the revised plan, a decision on current proposals for the payment of compensation in lieu of resettling shop owners will be required before clearance can start, except in the case of the Tung Tau Tsuen Road widening plan;
(iv) Priority for clearance should be given to
the road widening schemes, then to Area 'A' of the development plan.
/ Departmental
CONFIDENTIAL