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GR 2/3511/6711
Dear Kothur
K.271
Rok
1/3/60
GOVERNMENT HOUSE
HONG KONG
MR. Carter
I and send a
surtable reply; &
Me Carfiniara
Plse let me have a draft-reply;
The note for hard Shepherd com
follow later. Lose
4 March 1969
Land slip and shed see a
an
Short note as his
return from the Canttean.
Adh
11/3
10/3
I think you, and perhaps Lord Shepherd who previously expressed an interest, might like to see the attached report by the Secretary for Chinese Affairs (now Secretary for Home Affairs) on the City District Office Scheme. Also enclosed is a covering memorandum to Heads of Departments and a Note to Members of Councils.
You may remember that this scheme was first conceived some years ago from a feeling that there was insufficient contact between Government and the man-in- the-street in the Urban areas. Practically speaking, the main and almost the sole Government "presence" in the streets came from contacts between the Police and individual members of the public, and we felt that something more than this was needed. The idea gained impetus from the events of 1967; and the City District Officers were established for the purpose of providing an additional outlet for the explanation of Government policies on the one hand and on the other to provide an additional channel through which grievances, deficiencies, and the special needs of particular areas could be ascertained and dealt with. important functions of the City District Officers are to help co-ordinate the actions of Departments in a particular area, as the need arises: and, in general, to give residents in each area the feeling that an officer was available specifically charged with the duty of representing regional interests to Government.
Other
Although the scheme was set up at short notice only a little over a year ago, it already appears to have made a considerable impact. Subject therefore to further more detailed evaluation, I have little doubt that it is here to stay. Much credit is due to the staff concerned and particularly Mr Holmes, the Secretary for Home Affairs, and his Deputy, Mr Bray.
Sir Arthur Galsworthy, KCMG, Foreign & Commonwealth office, Hong Kong Department,
King Charles Street, LONDON, S.W.1.
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