CONFIDENTIAL
Draft No. 1
Sir,
I am directed to refer to the memoranda presented by the Heung Yee Kuk to the Secretary of State and to the Minister of State in February, 1968, and to convey to you the following views on the matters raised:
(i) Educational facilities for Chinese children in Britain
The concern of the Kuk over the lack of facilities in Britain for children of Chinese immigrants wishing to study the Chinese language is appreciated. However, the establishment of special schools.is coutrary to existing public policy in Britain. Apart from this, there are practical difficulties over the implementation of this proposel due to the comparatively small size of the Chinese community and the fact that it is scattered throughout the country.
(ii) Dissemination of information about Hong Long
The Hong
In the past two years, there has been a notable increase in the amount of material put out by the Hong Hong Government Information Services in Britain. In addition, the British information network has been working in close collaboration with the Hong Kong Government Information Services with a view to presenting to the world a balanced picture of development in Hong Kong. Kong Government Office in London keeps a well-stocked library of books, journals, and films about Hong Kong and these are being constantly up-dated and are loaned free of charge to scl ools, societies, trade associations, and other community organisations. The library has been well patronised and continuing efforts are made to encourage Chinese residents in Britain as well as other sectors of the British public to make use of the library.
You are no doubt aware that a weekly Chinese-language newspaper called the 'News Digest', published by the Hong Kong Government Information ervices, is popular among the Chinese community in ritain. Fore than 10,000 copies are distributed weekly.
(iii) Lack of leadership in Chinese comunities in Fritain
The liong Long Government recognises the need for leadership in the Chinese communities in Britain. To this end the Chinese Liaison Office was set ur in 1961 with the dual purpose of helping Chinese individuals in need and liaising with and advising Chinese community organisations such as trade associations, district associations, and clansmen associations. The Liaison Office has, since its fonception, kept in close touch with these organisa- tions and influential individuals, and has offered advice whenever necessary.
The Chinese liaison Office is now incorporated into the long long Government Office in London as a result of a reorganisation aimed at stream- lining administrative control over Hong Kong Government agencies in Britain, to enable individual agencies to be
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