TNAG-0003-FCO40-39-Commission-of-Enquiry-into-the-Kowloon-disturbances-addition-1968 — Page 146

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PART VI CONCLUSIONS

this feeling of not-belonging applies not only to Hong Kong; it extends further than that; it is based on the realization by Hong Kong youth that their native home as their parents knew it no longer exists and the chance to recreate it either here or abroad is denied to them. The decision made by their parents in choosing to leave China and live in Hong Kong has forced them to accomodate themselves to a life which is neither of their own choosing or making, nor is it one that they can at present change to one of their own liking. To belong, our Chinese youth must be induced to accept Hong Kong.

461. We endorse the view that there is a need to develop civic consciousness and a responsibility to Hong Kong; the comparative lack of which may be ex- plained by the absence of a strong feeling of identification. However, we have no evidence that this feeling was prominent in the type of young people who were involved in the disturbances and we do not believe that it had any significant causative effect.

462. We feel that the majority of the population have accepted Hong Kong as a home because of the lack of a satisfactory alternative and despite the tradi- tional mainland pull of culture, language and clan or the more recent ties with other countries through relatives and friends who have emigrated. Lack of homo- geneity in the population tends to inhibit the development of a widespread and strong civic feeling as illustrated by the vigour of the clan and neighbourhood associations; we would, however, sound an immediate note of warning against weakening the support inspired by these ties before there is a broader but no less effective bond of cohesion to take their place. They could indeed provide the foundation for a wider loyalty.

463. Nevertheless with a new generation growing up who have never had ex- perience outside Hong Kong it is important to develop avenues for participation in the life of the community and to give expression to young peoples' zeal for service. Possibly schools could give more emphasis to civic education and to practical service to the community: a point to which we return later(1).

Attitude to Government

464. Evidence was given of a belief in some quarters that the task of the Hong Kong Government is to make a profit for the United Kingdom whilst one social worker also spoke of a certain amount of resentment at the colonial status of Hong Kong and a feeling that Government, as such, adopted a superior attitude towards Chinese people: fallacies which, one hopes, will fade before the con- tinuing evidence to the contrary.

465. Some witnesses spoke of resentment caused by being shuffled around between offices-They have to talk to too many people before they find someone

(1) See Social Conditions, para. 530 et seq.