TNAG-0052-FCO40-88-Communist-activities-in-schools-1968 — Page 118

0003160 GF, 316

12.

(c)

(a)

1

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6

have places (30% of these places are provided by the private sector and this figure is being reduced gradually).

By rough estimates it would be necessary to provide or assist the provision of 24,000 secondary school places. This would entail approximately $400 million in capital costs (not including land costs). The extra annually recurrent costs would be in the region of $192 million.

There would be great difficulties in finding

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

managements for assisted schools;

teacher training facilities;

teachers;

(e)

(vi)

land for school sites.

It is not considered a practical proposition to accelerate the provision of secondary school places in order to eliminate the communist menace in schools.

Conclusions

(a)

(b)

(c)

(a)

(e)

There is a need to prevent indoctrination in schools which prepare pupils in subversive attitudes and activities.

Any stronger action against the communist-controlled schools must be carefully graduated to avoid provoking Peking on the very sensitive matter of education.

Increased inspections, both notified and snap inspections provide the best means of the discovery of subversive activities. These may be supplemented by police searches which become operationally necessary as a result of street activities.

The taking over of communist-controlled secondary schools and the provision of alternative primary school places are feasible, if difficult, propositions if implemented during school holidays. It would be necessary to carry out more detailed planning before action could commence.

Stronger action against the communist-controlled schools would give rise to disturbances and the arrest of many young persons; it would be necessary to be prepared, for pre-trial detention of large numbers. It would be desirable to have special probation detention centres for convicted young persons rather than the normal prisons.

COLONIAL SECRETARIAT 28th November, 1967

SCR 20/2041/67

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