G.F. 323
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12
method of assessing compensation in the case of lands
resumed for public purposes, the whole controversy would
die down. ̈
24.
The Secretary of State in a subsequent despatch
suggested a local committee of enquiry into the whole
question, in the hope that it will result in a report which
will bring out all the arguments on either side and will sc
balance strict equity with considerations of public policy
as to satisfy the Chinese community that they are being
treated fairly." It has not so far been possible to obtain
copies of subsequent correspondence, or to find out what
then happened in Hong Kong, but effort to do this is
continuing.
25.
It would be possible for the Secretary for the
New Territories to continue the dialogue with the Kuk and
discuss changes in the present system as they are evolved.
But, since any useful change is likely to be fairly far-
reaching in its effect the Secretary for the New Territories
believes that it would be advisable to broaden participation
in the discussion.
The present method consists of a direct
dialogue between the SNT and the Kuk and tends to put the
Kuk into an advantageous negotiating position since the
SiT appears to be the only obstacle between the Kuk and
its objectives.
CONFIDENTIAL
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/26.