RESOLUTION REGARDING THE REPORT OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE ESTIMATES FOR 1968-69
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY moved the following resolution:-
Resolved that the Report of the Select Committee, to which was referred the draft Estimates of Revenue and Expendi- ture for 1968-69, be adopted.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY seconded.
MR DHUN J. RUTTONJEE:-Your Excellency, in opening this Debate you observed that little was to be gained by recounting in your speech the shattering events of last year;* be that as it may, I am sure you did not mean that we should pretend that nothing had happened or that there was any room for complacency. You know better than I, Sir, that although-the local communists have changed their tactics, their aim remains the same: the undermining of Government's authority, the undermining of law and order and the imposition of their. will. They may be substituting smiles and rice for violence and bombs, but we must not be fooled. They suffered a humiliating defeat in the first round, or phase, but after a short break they are, even as this debate continues, coming from their corners for the start of Round Two. Let us not kid ourselves: it is going to be a much more complex and difficult session unless we are able and prepared to stay on top from the first bell. There is no reason why this should not be so. Out of adversity, good often comes. In Hong Kong last year we found ourselves more of a community than ever before. The real people of Hong Kong