G.F. 323 0003230

CONFIDENTIAL

- 13 -

identify; continuous improvement in the educational system (and especially the elimination of any justifiable grievances); an increasingly meaningful youth programme; and so on. They also want to feel they have a part in working for all this.

They should thus be shown a more human Government image, so they are made to believe it cares about all these things and are aware of its achievements, in which they share.

54.

them for the purpose.

More liaison work should be undertaken with

Only if it is will they become better

informed on public issue and about the reasons for Government policies and actions. The energies of some may then be guided into useful channels, particularly voluntary work which satisfies their growing social conscience.

55.

CDOs and other departments already liaise with co-operative student and youth organizations. But contacting those students with an active (and sometimes militant) interest in politics is a specialized task, which can be very time-consuming. It should normally, though not exclusively, be performed by a more senior officer of the SHA, The aim should be to keep in close but informal touch with such people, and to discover what issues are of interest to them. Where appropriate, briefings on these should be arranged, although the position should be maintained that no student group or body has any more right to be informed or consulted on general public issues than other sections of the community.

56. it will be necessary to keep the situation under regular review. This should be done by meetings between the Secretariat for Home Affairs and the other departments concerned, particularly the Secretariat and Special Branch. Information should be pooled and evaluated, potential disputes anticipated and future trends assessed, Criticism in periodicals and student magazines could also be examined and, if advisable, answered.

To get full value from these arrangements,

57.

Regular contact with university and college authorities will also be necessary, to ensure that they are generally aware of what is being done and fully informed about any matters raised which may directly affect student discipline. channels for this should be established.

Suitable

/58.

CONFIDENTIAL

Share This Page