TNAG-0305-FCO40-341-Use-of-Chinese-as-official-language-in-Hong-Kong-1971 — Page 167

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We believe status, which is a matter of respect, should be absolutely equal,, whereas in the light of practicability, and technical difficulties, it may very well be true that Chinese cannot attain the same level of usage as English, but this is no hindrance to giving both languages equality in status.

Section E:

Conclusion

We strongly advocate that legislation be enacted to the effect of declaring both Chinese and English official languages of Hong Kong, equal in status, with the usage of the Chinese language defined in specific

areas.

We further believe that the matter of recognition of Chinese as an official language is a local issue and the Legislative Council is in the right position to deal with the matter without any changes in the Letters Patent and Royal Instructions.

We understand that the matter of recognition of Chinese as an official language has not been excluded from the terms of reference of the Chinese Language Committee, and a recommendation from the Committee on the matter would be most appreciated.

We understand that the Chairman and members of the Committee have been working very diligently on the matter and we can assure you that HKFS and its 10,000 members are always willing to co-operate with you in the interests of the general public.

Mr. James Chiu Wing Cheung

Chairman, HKFS Lenguage Action Committee.

Miss Stephanie Cheung Sau Yu

Chairman, HKFS Legal Sub-committee of Language

Study Committee.

Mr. Mok Yeuk Chi

Member, HKFS Legal Sub-committee of Language

Study Committee.

Mr. Thomas Leung Kwok Fai

President, Baptist College Student Union.

Mr. Law Cheung Kwok

President, Chinese University Student Union. Mr. Kenneth Kwok Hing Wai

Chairman, Current Affairs Committee, HKUSU.