2.
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79
PRC/742/3.
(j)
"Chien Kuo Jih Pao", Canton, of Feb. 7 reports that an official of the Chinese Navigation Bureau has been sent to Hong Kong in connection with the 'Sai On' fire.
Comments on Internal Events.
(a) Considerable publicity is given to high charges for electricity in Kowloon as compared with Hong Kong. Government action to lower price in Kowloon is suggested by the "New Life Evening News" of Feb. 4.
(3)
All newspapers comment freely on the causes of the "Sai On" disaster, but no blame is attributed to Government. Congested quarters, the presence of smugglers with material for making firecrackers (potassium chloride) on board, lack of fire- fighting equipment and locked exits are all blamed.
(c)
The "National Times" of Feb. 7 in a long leader, obviously inspired, writes down all the recent incidents and pleads for har- mony between Hong Kong (or Britain) and China until the retrocession question can be amicably settled.
(a)
"Wah Kiu Yat Po" of Feb. 8 deplores corruption among Civil Servants and shows how this can only be stopped with the co-operation of the public.
3.
Comments on Colonial Matters.
4.
The National Times" of Feb. 6 says that the clause in the Treaty dealing with Sino-British Trade on the Yangtze River, describes the opening of the river ports to British shipping as a breach of Chinese sovereignty.
Comments on International Matters.
GW/APC
NIL
White,
P.R.O.