TNAG-0313-FCO40-349-Reports-of-typhoons-and-storms-from-Hong-Kong-Typhoon-Rose---1976 — Page 59

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Mr Wilford

Victory

Sir L Monson

TYPHOON ROSE

CONFIDENTIAL

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shi ей 1. In my submission of 17 August I reported the vie of the

ODA at official level that assistance to Hong Kong did not

really seem appropriate to the aid programme. I suggested

that if public interest in the UK were aroused and that if

there appeared to be a general expectancy that HMG should

assist Hong Kong Ministers would no doubt wish to look at the

matter again in the light of the final report of the Governor.

2. We have now received the Governor's final report (Hong

Kong telegram No. 598). The Governor has reported that the

effects of the typhoon have been rather more serious than

was originally thought. Rehabilitation and direct payments

for loss of crops, fishing boats, livestock, dwellings, etc

are expected to amount to HK $2.5 million, damage to public

roads, bridges, etc is put at HK 4.5 million.

In

3. We have also received 2 statements about the typhoon put

out by the Government Information Services in the Daily

Information Bulletin. These show that the Government is

assisting in a variety of ways those who have suffered.

September 1962 (the last occasion on which Hong Kong was hit

badly by a typhoon) the Community Relief Fund was reopened

and a general appeal was launched (the Community Relief Trust

Fund was established by Ordinance in June 1962). It looks

as if it has not been thought necessary on this occasion to

27/

CONFIDENTIAL

/appeal