CO129-587-15 Excess Population Reduction Committee Report- Chinese Immigration Bill 1-10-1940 - 6-1-1941 — Page 52

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Section 8 (4).

(12)..

Measures to reduce the existing population of the towns.

With the exception of (7) and (12) these are not objectionable though their effects would be relatively slight. Points to be borne in mind in connection with them are (a) Deportation in present circumstances is possible only to Shanghai or across the Colony's border, whence return is easy, and (b) the gaols are already overfull;

special reference to (9)..

Section 8 (7)

-

this with

Removal of all squatters and refugees to the north of the main defence line (say 6 miles from

Points for consideration are:-

northern edge of, Kowloon).

(1)

(ii)

(iii)

Section 8 (12)

1

Many of the squatters are men in regular employment which will cease if they are sent to a distance: most of them and of the refugees are picking up a living by casual work. Camps in the area suggested would require to be maintained at Government expense and the cost would be high.

In the case of invasion over the Anglo-Chinese border the inhabitants of these camps would be driven back upon the town: the Island's defence, however, would not be affected by this.

*

Reduction of river-steamer traffic pending implementation of recommendations in Section 8(1)-(3).

Pending consideration of the points raised in connection with Section 8 (1) - (3) these facilities should not be seriously disturbed.

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(Sgd.) G.A.S. Northcote.

29.9.40. ป

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