TNAG-0084-FCO40-120-Bribery-and-corruption-of-government-officials-1968 — Page 35

216 Prince Edward Read,

Kewloon, Hong Kong.

5th. July, 1968.

Dear Sir,

The following letter has just been sent to me. From the standerd of English one may judge the writer to be Chinese of University standard of education. He may hold a high position in the civil service, possibly in connection with the law, or he may werk in a lawyer's office.

I certainly endorse what he says as being a true picture of the side of life described, and how, corruption is protected by the Government. To its critics, or to those who are net familiar with canditiens in Hong Kong, the Government will excuse itself on the grounds that orientals are corrupt. This is untrue. A few rich people are happy to pay corruption for faveurs they are not entitled to, but the ordinary people hate to have to pay cérruptien er be denied their rights.

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A Royal Commission of Enquiry should be appointed by the British' Government in London at the earliest possible moment. No action will be taken hero (except te pull wool over the eyes of legislaters in Lønden), and the fact that this writer did not sign his name indicates he fears victimisation. letter, however, shows no malice.

The

HONG KONG

28th June 1968

Madan,

I have been a citizen of Hong Kong for over twentyfive years. It is my hope that Hong Kong may continue along the road to prosperity under a good, honest and

stable government.

For many years now it has been my practice, when time and opportunity permits, to go round the various teahouses, markets, restaurants, etc., and listen to the talk of the people and se try to obtain an idea as to the trend of public opinion on matters of importance to Hong Kong and its inhabitants. Because of this habit of mine I know something of the way local people are thinking.

I can truly tell you that the hearts of the people are about equally divided. This is alse true even in the various` government departments where many of differing views and hearts are now working togethr. I can see and judge these matters clearly and know what I have said is true. It makes no difference whether it is. highter low department or what the rank of the pesple working inside.

I am writing this letter in the hope that the Government may take action before it is too late andall is lost through indifference.

Prior to the troubles of last year, there was corruption and under-hand black market things were beingdone by both civilians and government servants. I now regret to say that since these troubles there is even more cǝrruption, in addition, thosṛ, engaged in these malpractices are even nere fierce and cruel in their demands than previously, In my opinion, t e reason they are worse than before is that they want to break the good name the Government got during the troubles of last year,

There are already some big business men and property owners who detest and hate the government and if these people can increase the number of business men, property owners, or even workers and any others to hate and have a grievance against the Government, they will have gained a victory against the Government and se success will crown their effnobs.

Since June 1967, the basiness of buying selling has not boen as good as before the troubles. Because of this, there has been a big drop in the amount of business done by lawyers and their clerks. Many tricks are now being used to obtain new business, for example, enticing persons to berrew money--- without any intention of repaying; or, renting a flat and the refusing to pay the rent, leaving there when the time covered by the deposit runs aut, even though a valid contract or lease was signed. The land-lord or the person owed money is then induced to try and

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