TNAG-0328-FCO40-364-Activities-of-New-Left-groups-amongst-students-and-youth-of--1973 — Page 99

G.F. 323

0003230

GHM 16/72

CONFIDENTIAL

NOTES OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE AND GOVERNOR'S

COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON FRIDAY 19th MAY, 1972

Present:

H.E. Hon.C.S.Hon.F.S., CBF, AG,DS,CP, PA;SHA,DCNT,

DofE,CofL,DSB,DIS

PACS(S) attended for Items 0112 and 92/22/

90/72 The New Left

(Confidential)

c.c. DCS

Defence Branch paper SCR 3/3571 dated 3rd May 1972 was considered. In dis- cussion the following points were made:- a. One significant factor which deterred

the majority of students from join- ing demonstrations was the fear that their subsequent careers might be endangered if they were on police record.

b.

*C.

e.

Many students found that there was a conflict between their wish to be patriotic Chinese and their need to accept the fact that they would be living and working in Hong Kong for a number of years.

Action to anticipate and pre-empt grievances which might otherwise be exploited by the New Left was generally being taken. Heads of Departments should ensure that it should continue to be and that it was taken quickly. Policy might as a result have to be reviewed at short notice. The Colonial Secretariat would always give priority to selected problems of special urgency, and Hon. Cis. could be approached personally if necessary.

The presentation to the public of Government action had been much improved during the last few years.

DofE already had regular contact with College authorities and PACS(S) had personal contact with university authorities. H.E. said he would be prepared to speak to University Vice- Chancellors on specific matters

provided/..

CONFIDENTIAL