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6. These are recent events but a study of the history of the development of Hong Kong, I think, proves that Government's admitted doctrine of "laissez faire" is the root cause of the fact that development has been niggling and ineffectual. Government cannot be expected to take such a close and absorbing interest in the Port as would a Public Trust, composed largely of men whose very welfare depends on the harbour, and directed by a competent chairman and administrator.
7.
Were a Port Advisory Committee formed without executive powers I am afraid the result would be a repetition of the failures of the two preceding advisory committees.
8.
If, however, in spite of the opinion of one of the greatest administrators of his day, it is decided to discard the advice proffered by him and to adopt some form of control by a Government dominated committee I would ask what guarantee will there be that the authority:
(a) will be allowed to draw up a plan of development?
(b) will be allowed to approve of say a ten-year plan?
(o) will be allowed to raise funds to meet the capital
expenditure required? and
(a) will be accepted by the Government as the controlling
authority over all the waters of the Colony?
9. My experience does not lead me to think that any very revolutionary changes can be expected from Government unless a complete change of policy is intended. How much better would it be then to go the whole way and appoint a Public Trust with powers to plan, develop and control the Harbour."
(Signed) ANDREW NICOL,
Assistant Director of Public Works.
Colonial Secretariat, October 14, 1946.