TNAG-0003-FCO40-39-Commission-of-Enquiry-into-the-Kowloon-disturbances-addition-1968 — Page 210

.2.

found that the proposed trivial increase in ferry fares was not in itself a

factor but came at a time when there was public aprehension and fear of rising

prices and inflation. These fears were exploited by opponents of the increase,

who based their campaign on the over-simplified question of whether an increase

in fares was wanted. The views of the Transport Advisory Committee on whether

an increase was justified were not widely reported in the press.

4. The Commission found no reason to believe that the disturbances were organized

political, in any way by political or criminal elements nor did they find that/economic or

at/econom social frustrations played much part. The main reasons for participation given

by the rioters themselves was curiosity and the prospect of excitement. Nothing

like the rioting had occurred in Hong Kong since 1956.

A considerable section of the report deals with the evidence given before the

Commission by Mrs. Elliott, an Urban Councillor, who was the most prominent of the

Before Du Sounnurasion! leaders of the opposition against the fares increase and at an interview with the Colonial

Secretary of State in London she made allegations that the Hong Kong police were

alleged

ん

With row

corrupt and had plotted to through the blame on her for the riots". The Commission's

report disposes of this allegation (the police ca

great

nis alliga

tigate

the

statement by a rioter which supports it,

the events leading the Commission's comment was that while well-meaning people who do things which have

unfortunate results cannot escape responsibility...... it would be more profitable

not to dwell on whatever evanescent individual errors that ad or contribu

ribute t

In regard to her responsibility for them to the

The riots

are

по

points which

we

Frame with the Governor.

the riots.

There

6.

weeds to pat

report

is imminent

The Secretary

background.

ти

>

however,

The Governor

Abed

Rad

to

Think The Secretary of State

publication of the Commmsion's may himself refer it and

of State will with should be aware of the

Hong Konga lwest Indian Dept. 'C'

23rd Febmay, 1967.

2312

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