UK CONFIDENTIAL
Governor, in the Executive and Legislative Councils. He is also the Governor's principal adviser on policy and the chief government spokesman. The duties of the Colonial Secretariat are grouped into 6 policy branches covering broad programme areas home affairs, economic services, social services, housing, environment and security; two resource branches dealing with finance and the civil services; and a branch dealing with the affairs of the New Territories.
COMMUNICATIONS
5.
2..
Hong Kong has a sea and air entrance which, according to international law, should be considered inviolate by the Chinese People's Government even though they adhere to the 12 miles territorial limit for off-shore waters. In practice, the Communists could control all approaches from communist held islands out to sea.
b.
Hong Kong is a free port, and one of the finest harbours in the world, providing every kind of modern facility for ships of up to 300m in length and deep draught. There are ocean going services to all parts of the world, with numerous ferry services to the mainland (Kowloon) and Macau. It is in a constant state of development.
C.
A standard gauge single track railway between Kowloon and Lowu links the colony with the Chinese railways system. Double tracking and electrification of the whole section in the Crown Colony is planned for completion by 1980/82.
Hong Kong International Airport (Kai Tak). Hong Kong International is one of the major airports in the Far East and is used by 26 international airlines on scheduled services. The airport was opened in 1958 using part of the old Kai Tak airfield and reclaimed land. Although it is now a busy modern airport with excellent facilities it is unlikely that the site could be further developed to meet the increased traffic demand expected by mid 1980 and consideration is being given to building a new airport at a more favourable site.
e.
A cross harbour four lane road tunnel between Kowloon and Victoria Island was opened in August 1972. A good two lane waterproof surface road runs from Kowloon to the Chinese border and a network of similar roads provides access to most parts of the New Territories.
f.
A mass transit railway system, mostly underground, is under construction; it is due to be completed by 1980.
POPULATION
6. The total population at the end of 1977 was estimated at 4,566,900 an average density of over 4,354 per sq km, one of the highest in the world. On the basis of language and ultimate place of origin some 98% of the population are Chinese, a large proportion of whom are refugees or immigrants from the mainland (though their children might well have been born in the colony). Strict controls are in force to contain Chinese immigration; these are most successful when control measures on the Chinese side of the frontier are also enforced.
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UK CONFIDENTIAL