Mrs Henriette Norák
World Federalist Youth Norrebrogade 36
2200 Copenhagen N/DARK
LART
RE
16
REF.
11/6784
HKK 1/22
5 December 1972
(16)
14
ARREST OF STUDENTS IN HONG KONG
Mics helly wrote to you on 28 September to acknowledge your letter of 26 September. I am sorry that it has taken us some time to look into this case and let you have a substantive reply.
I enclose a copy of a letter from the Acting Commissioner for Resettlement to the South China Morning lost. It explains in some detail the present policy on resettlement. It also points out that the reason why the Yan Yi villagers could not be re- housed this year was the sudden call for extra accommodation for 20,000 people caused by the exceptionally heavy rains in May and June. 1 am glad to say that the villagers will probably be rehoused before the end of Harch next year.
The arrests were made during the denonstration only as a last resort, when the demonstrators who were causing obstruction by an unlawful assembly ignored repeated warnings from the Police to disperse. All those arrested were taken to Court. The leaders were bound over by the Court in the sum of lik1500 (about £36) for one year.
I hope this information will be helpful.
[copy to:
C P Lloyd Esq, CMG
Ag. Deputy Colonial Secretary
HONG KONG]
RB Crowson Hong Kong and
Indian Ocean Dept