TNAG-0328-FCO40-364-Activities-of-New-Left-groups-amongst-students-and-youth-of--1973 — Page 9

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Brian Klug Dsq

National Union of Students

3 Indsleigh Street

LONDON WC1 HCDV

LAST

REF.

REF.

IIKK 1/22

5 December 1972

ARILOTE OF STUDENTU. IN HONG KORO

I am now able to reply more fully to your letter of 11 October about the resettlement policy of the ilong Kong Government, and in particular, the protest of the Yan Yi villagers.

I enclose a copy of a letter from the acting Commissioner for Resettlement to the South China Lorning Post. It explains in some detail the present policy on resettlement. It also points out that the reason why the Yan Yi villagers could not be re- housed this year was the sudden call for extra accommodation for 20,000 people caused by the exceptionally heavy rains in May and June. I am glad to say that the villagers will probably be rehoused before the end of March next year.

The arrests were made during the demonstration only as a last resort, when the demonstrators who were causing obstruction by an unlawful assembly ignored repeated warnings from the Police to disperse. All those arrested were taken to Court. The leaders were bound over by the Court in the sum of HK3500 (about £36) for one year.

I hope this information will be helpful.

[Copy to:

GP Lloyd Esq, CMG

Ag. Deputy Colonial Secretary HONG KONG]

RB Crowson Hong Kong and Indian Ocean Dept

ile