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4. I propose, unless I receive your instructions to the contrary, to proceed with action in the normal way. squatters do not move by 11th December, the illegal structures will be demolished by the sanitary Department and, if necessary, police protection will be provided. do not (repeat not) think it advisable at this stage to issus any counter blast in the Press, since this might merely exacerbate the controversy. If a statement is to be issued through my Public Relations office, it shall be confined to stating that the measures taken are normal administrative measures on the ground of public health and the danger of fire.
5. I may add that there are a considerable number of wooden huts which have been erected in many places in Kowloon which are equally undesirable, from the point of view of public health, etc. The policy of the public Works Department, however, ia first of all to clear those eracted on Crown Land, roadways, etc. It is not a question of discriminating againat squatters in Kowlson City. In view, however, of the rapid increase in the number of huts there which has doubled in the last two months, I am not (repeat not) in favour of delaying action.
I have shown the draft of this telsgram to the Ambassador who la in Hong Kong. Es concurs in the action · proposed.