Extrast from H. K. Hansard Report of 4.9.39
ORIGINAL ON 53587/39,
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
ADJOURNMENT.
H.E. THE GOVERNOR.-Council stands adjourned sine die.
FINANCE COMMITTEE.
538381
127
Following the Council, a meeting of the Finance Committee was held, the Colonial Secretary presiding.
Votes totalling $424,195, under Estimates, 1939, contained in Message No. 8 from His Excellency the Governor, were considered.
152.-5, Charitable Services:-22, Relief of Refugees, $250,000.
HON. MR. PEARCE. I see we are voting another $250,000 for the relief of refugees. I made reference to it when the last vote came up and rather suggested that it would come to a very big sum before we are finished with it. I do think that Government should provide us with more details as to what is happening, how the money is being spent and whether or not pressure is being brought to bear on the refugees to return to their country. We are asked to vote $250,000 every quarter without being informed of what is being done. I think we ought to have a more detailed account, if possible, and a report of what is going on in the camps.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.-Details of the expenditure can be circulated.
THE CHAIRMAN.-We do not encourage these people to stay. If they want to go back we do our best to get them back. But there are certain difficulties, one of which is the lack of transport. I believe the few ships going to Canton are overcrowded and it is very difficult to get passage for these people. Another difficulty is that there are operations of some kind still going on across the Border, with the result that it is not so easy for the people to return to their homes there. I think the D.M.S. can tell us more about this matter.
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL SERVICES.-As you say, Sir, every encouragement is being given to the refugees to return to China where they are in no danger of their lives. So far as the Urban Camps are concerned, a Subcommittee of the Camps Committee goes round to the camps every week to seek out those whom they consider could be persuaded to return to their homes. As regards the rural camps, I myself have spoken to the representatives, encouraging them to persuade the people in the huts to return to Chinese territory. Only last week or so, some 2,000 or more have been persuaded to return via Lokmachau, etc.
As you have stated, Sir, every effort is being made to get rid of the refugees. Government has approved of their passage being paid and grants made to assist them in their journey. A lot of them have
28
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.