ING.
11.7.09.
SECRET
GOVERNMENT HOUSE
HONG KONG
A Cartér 1. Confl
You.
7/2.
3rd July 1969
123
K.271.
Rak pe.
ANG
7.69.
Daas John
In view of the interest you shewed in the problem of the Communist schools when you were here recently, I thought you might like to have a copy of the attached paper No. SCR 20/581/67 of 25th June, for information and reference. It is the latest in a series of Schools Steering Committee Reports, and, being in the nature of a half-yearly round-up, it is fuller and of rather more general interest than usual.
2. I should perhaps explain that the Schools Steering Committee is a small official body set up by me to watch the Communist schools generally and to suggest ways and means, whenever possible, to inhibit their activities within the very limited scope we have for doing so. The Committee reports to the Governor's Committee at regular intervals (at present monthly).
3. I do not want to comment at too great length on the Report, but there are a few points I might draw attention to.
4. Enrolments in Communist controlled Schools (paras. 1-5) An increase of 3,000 in these schools in the last 6 months cannot be viewed with equanimity: but at least the total number now is about 1,300 less than expected even last September. More hopeful perhaps is the fact that paragraph 5 seems to indicate that the Communist school expansion
mmay programme my possibly be running a little out of steam: but although this is a welcome sign, it is one to accept only with considerable reservation as yet.
3. Some tendency for the Communists to go into the kindergarten business has been reported, and we are watching this. It may seem silly to worry about the indoctrination of very young children, but of course it does have its effect and may induce a pre-disposition to enter Communist primary schools.
6. School fee levels in relation to
Communist School Development (paras. 6-8) These paragraphs cover a point you yourself raised. My own view is that lowering our school fees may have a marginal effect on Communist school enrolments in
J.O. Moreton Esq., CMG, MC, Foreign & Commonwealth Office.
SECRET
DIN
AY No.51 8 JUL 1969
HKK 9/1
Page 15Page 16
ICRET
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