average of 6,000 per acre (whereas 300 per acre was regarded as
high in most parts of the world). The Hong Kong Government
should treat the Walled City in the same way as the rest of the
Colony's run-down areas, that is, clear and reconstruct the area.
He thought HMG should take its courage in both hands and so
instruct the Hong Kong Government.
3. Mr Royle said that this was a good idea in principal but the
danger was that the Chinese might wish to send their own people to
do the clearing. It would really be too risky. Mr Stuart agreed
that the present was a bad time particularly because of the issue
of the Chinese Representative in Hong Kong.
4. Mr Spearing said that he agreed generally with Lord Kennet.
He thought, however, that it was right to look at the problem
against the general background of Hong Kong public opinion. There
was a general dissatisfaction with the Government, for instance
over the Godber case. He was afraid that there might be a
groundswell of public reaction in Hong Kong against the failure
by HMG and the Hong Kong Government to take action over the
Walled City. Furthermore, outsiders might use the walled City
to berate either HMG or the Chinese Government; it was a blot on
civilisation. On the other hand the inhabitants appeared happy,
and efforts to demolish the area would clearly raise strong
reactions. Nevertheless a start could be made perhaps after the
Prime Minister's visit to China. Mr Royle agreed there would be
difficulties with the inhabitants over the slum clearance but this
was not the major problem since the Hong Kong Government was
constantly clearing slums; the main problem remained the special
status of the Walled City and Peking's possible reaction.
As to
/the Godber
2
CONFIDENTIAL