10.
85
it is hoped that before the proposed Claims Commission visits
Hong Kong the position in regard to possible assistance by His
Majesty's Government will have been clarified.
16.
The general public have read of the generous manner
in which His Majesty's Government has assisted in the rehabilita-
tion of Malta by means of free gifts and they naturally hope that
similar generous treatment may be accorded to Hong Kong. It is
true that the bomb damage in Lalta was much greater than in Hong
Kong though even here the Wharf and dockyard areas suffered
severely. I do not think however that the extent of the damage
which this Colony has suffered from looting and general lack of
maintenance is fully realised. it is very great indeed. The
description of the damage contained in paragraph 8 of this despatc..
does not only apply to Government quarters. It applies to at
least 60% of all buildings formerly in European occupation.
feel therefore that the amount of damage in Hong Kong though only
partly the result of bombing is such as to justify an approach
to His Majesty's Government with a view to the case of this
Colony receiving the same consideration as has already been
accorded to Malta.
I do
17.
An accurate estimate of the damage to buildings will
no doubt be prepared by the Claims Commission when they visit
Hong Kong and this may differ considerably from the rough
figure of $187 million which has already been arrived at.
But, unlike the position in Malta, damage to buildings is
not the only consideration here. Practically all plant and
equipment have disappeared. Mooring buoys in the harbour are
in such a condition that they all have to be replaced.
negligible quantity of rolling stock and only a few locomotives
in bad condition remain on the British Section of the Railway.
A
I would therefore suggest that, if it is found possible to
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.