CO537-2190 — Page 21

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4.

If

I propose, unless I receive your instructions to the contrary, to proceed with action in the normal way.

the illegal aquatters do not move by 11th December,

a tructures will be demolished by the sanitary be par tme nt

I and, if necessary, police protection will be provided, do not (repeat not) think it advisable at this stage to issua any counter blast in the press, since this might mers ly

If a statement is to be issued exacerbate the controversy. through my Public Relations office, it shall be confined to stating that the measures taken are pormal 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,

is first of all to clear those erected on Crown

It is not a queation of discriminating Land, roadways, etc. agalast squatters in Kowloon 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 dolaying action,

6. I bave shown the draft of this telegram to the

He concurs in the action Ambassador who is in Hong Kong. proposed.

Copy sent to:-

کر

Fereign Office

Mr. A.L. Scott.