It became abundantly clear that they were united in their determination to proceed, in the full knowledge that they were breaking the law. The Police therefore escorted the buses to a Police Station and charged the occupants with unlawful assembly contrary to the provisions of the Public Order Ordinance. In Court on 8th January 1979, no evidence was offered in respect of 10 of the 77 charged because they were juveniles. Following the Court hearing held on 12th February 1979, the remaining 67 were found guilty as charged. The 56 boat people were then given
The absolute discharges, with no convictions recorded.
11 others were bound over in the sum of $HK 300 each to be
All of those of good behaviour for a period of 18 months. arrested were given bail at each stage of the proceedings and at no time were any of them detained in Police custody.
I am satisfied that there are adequate legal means by which those concerned could have drawn attention to their grievance, but some of the boat dwellers and their represent- atives deliberately chose to act unlawfully. I consider that the Police exercised a reasonable degree of restraint and that, faced with the disregard for the law, they were obliged to discharge their duties and take appropriate action.
The Government remains most sympathetic towards the plight of all people who live in unsatisfactory accom- modation and are seeking improved housing. It will continue to strive, as a matter of priority, to provide subsidised public housing for all those who require it; its record in
Faced with the implementation of this policy is well known.
an immediate shortage, it is Government's duty to ensure that the interests of no one group of people are granted precedence and that over all others unless this can clearly be justified all claims for rehousing are impartially judged. The boat Deople's claims will continue to be considered on this basis.
(For your convenience I attach a translation of
this letter into Chinese).
I am sending a reply in similar terms to the other persons and organisations who have written to the Governor and the Chief Secretary on this subject.
Yours faithfully,
(J.A. Frost)
for Chief Secretary