CONFIDENTIAL
W.3
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For
shared by only a small proportion of Hong Kong residents. the majority of people, the most important thing is that the now derelict railway station should be replaced as soon as possible with the new cultural centre which will be of benefit to the entire community. The Government also believe that to incorporate the entire station in the new complex would inevitably lead to a lowering of the standard of facilities that will be
offered.
5. For these reasons the Governor of Hong Kong has recommended that the Heritage Society's petition to The Queen should be rejected. A detailed reply to the Society's petition was given by the Hong Kong Secretary for the Environment in his letter of
ño Stewarts 18 April. During recent visit to Hong Kong discussed the question with a wide selection of people Chinese and expatriate.
Their almost universal reaction was of complete indifference to the fate of the station building.
6. It seems clear that the benefits which the new cultural complex will bring to the Community outweigh the questionable environmental advantages of retaining the old railway station. I, therefore, recommend that the Private Secretary to the Secretary of State should write to the Private Secretary to Her Majesty advising that the petition should not be entertained.
7. I submit a draft letter on these lines for the PS's signature, together with a draft reply to be sent back to the Hong Kong Heritage Society.
4 May 1978
2
W.E. Chantill
WE Quantrill
Hong Kong & General Dept
CONFIDENTIAL
Goronwy - Roberts