0003230
G.F. 323
CONFIDENTIAL
- 3 -
18.
(b)
(c)
above.
The decision on whether and how to exploit the emergency, formation of policy on how to do so and supervision of the execution of that policy in its initial stages;
the
The detailed execution of these plans, which must rest with the departments concerned P.W.D., C. for R. etc.
The requirement is to provide the machinery to carry out 16(b) A high level committee is needed, capable of assessing the political and security implications and empowered to take decisions or to recommend with authority the action on which decisions by higher authorities are required. The Chairman should be the D.S. Defence Branch would provide the immediate staff backing and would be the point to which those on the spot should report immediately any situation within the Walled City which could be exploited.
19.
The committee should include the following D.S., S.H.A., D.P.W., P.A., C.P., D.S.B., D.I.S., Crown Solicitor, and P.A.C.S.(L). It might be necessary for other officers, e.g. C. for R. and D.S.W., to be coopted in certain circumstances. Background papers should be prepared and revised from time to time by Defence Branch and held by members where they can readily be available.
Inspection and Demolition
20.
Representatives of the Buildings Ordinance Office would have to move in very quickly to inspect and condemn buildings and to get demolition under way as quickly as possible. They would need to be briefed on the extent to which they should inspect neighbouring buildings. It might be useful to try to divide the City up into segments so as to have some ideas of possible bounds. Fire Service advice would be useful on this.
Resettlement and Rehousing
21。
Initially, those rendered homeless would have to be accommodated in transit areas, with subsequent disposal to resite or resettlement as might be directed; there would inevitably be some absorption into nearby areas so the numbers requiring resiting or resettlement might be less than the total displaced. If the whole City were to be evacuated, about 20,000 people would need accommodation. There would be a need to provide better than average welfare and other facilities in the transit areas because of the considerable press and public interest which it would be part of our policy to incite, and also as a means of lessening the desire of those displaced to return. Transit areas of a suitable size and location may not always be available ; there may be a need to have plans to use
a public park or playground in the urban area. Resettlement should be offered wherever possible and this would probably reduce significantly the numbers trying to return. Owners of property would certainly try to get back to salvage their possessions and to re-establish themselves. It would be essential that Government should commit itself publicly to aiding and supporting those displaced. An early decision on
the entertainment of claims for compensation, or ex-gratia grants, would be required.
Publicity
22.
(a)
There are two requirements :-
To build up public interest and support when a decision is made to move into either a part of or the whole City. This would entail making the maximum of any public concern over the safety of buildings, fire risks etc., or resentment among the inhabitants of the Walled City at the lack of facilities and failure to include the area in rebuilding plans;
/ (b)
CONFIDENTIAL
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? 17 (6)