TNAG-0313-FCO40-349-Reports-of-typhoons-and-storms-from-Hong-Kong-Typhoon-Rose---1976 — Page 9

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Conclusions

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The only payments made so far have been those by the H.K.S.U. in connection with the ferry disasters, apparently because victims' dependents were easy to identify and the extent of their losses easy to verify.

11.

The full effects of China's action cannot be assessed yet, while little money has actually been distributed. It would appear that, unlike previous relief, which was given on a much smaller scale at provincial level, the present gift was at a national level, and is in line with contributions made recently by China through the Chinese Red Cross to victims of natural disasters in such countries as Peru, Turkey, Hungary, Malaysia and Pakistan.

12.

It is reasonably clear that whilst the communists are obviously exploiting the impact made by the donation, they do not intend to be blatantly critical of Government, and instead are developing a more subtle propaganda line.

13. China's solicitude for the victims of typhoon 'Rose' will undoubtedly create a lasting impression in Hong Kong and among overseas Chinese communities elsewhere, but the effect might have been achieved with a smaller sum of money.

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