TNAG-0346-FCO40-382-Communist-threat-to-education-in-Hong-Kong-communist-schools-1972 — Page 21

54.

Nevertheless the communists have organized three Teachers Associations,

corresponding with the geographical divisions mentioned in paragraph 10, which

teachers from neutral schools are encouraged to join. Within the last year or two

the leading communist schools have taken part in such public events as the Schools'

Music Festival and various sporting events, at which they have invariably given

creditable performances.

FINANCE

55.

Up to 1967, at least, individual communist schools in Hong Kong appear

to have paid their own way, their source of income being the fees paid by students.

Expenses have always been kept down and teachers' salaries, in particular have been

low (see Annex 'C'). Whenever money has been required for a special purpose, such

as additional buildings, a fund raising campaign has usually been the answer.

Local businessmen on the Management Committee, who, for some good reason, wish to

remain in favour can usually be relied upon for a generous donation.

56.

Since 1968, however, there is evidence that China has provided funds,

probably to finance the expansion programme, which has certainly cost the schools

involved far more than can otherwise be accounted for. The amount received is

believed to be HK$ 2.5 million in 1969 and HK$ 4 million in 1970.

57.

The W.C.E.P.A., in finance as in other matters, is a separate entity.

Until 195y it was in receipt of a Government subsidy, but since then has kept

solvent by a series of fund raising campaigns. The latest of these was launched

towards the end of 1969 and raised HK$ 8.8 million. Much of this was extracted

from local businessmen dependent on China in some way for their livelihood, but

union members and workers were involved on a large scale, partly, at least to

identify them with the schools. Of the large sum collected about HK$ 1.2 million

went to provide a new W.C.E.P.A. school at Tsz Wan Shan. The balance will be used

to cover running expenses of all the W.C.E.P.A. schools, which amount to about

HK$ 800,000 per year. (see paragraph 23)

SECRET