TNAG-0346-FCO40-382-Communist-threat-to-education-in-Hong-Kong-communist-schools-1972 — Page 26

the communists to increase the number of pupils by, at the lowest reckoning, 5%,

at no expense to themselves.

partly overcome one of their main difficulties, the shortage of teachers, by using

unqualified staff who disappear when an inspectica threatens. The mere fact that

schools practise "escape drills" in preparation for inspections, shows that they

are apprehensive. (see example at Annex 'F'). It is, of course, essential that

there is no overt discrimination against communist schools in this or any other

respect. It is therefore considered that the Education Department should take

action against all schools known to have excess pupils and unqualified teachers,

issuing warnings in the first instance, and taking legal action as necessary.

Similarly, there is evidence enough that they can

71.

The case with which the communists appear able to open new schools, evan

if they call them branches of existing schools, deserves close attention. The cace

history of the new Heung To School at Tsz Wan Shan giver et Annex 'D' might scrve

as a starting point. While, prima facie, there is nothing illegal in this process,

it was conducted in a most underhand way, and the true facts nave only come to

light when it is too late to do much about it. Once again, the communists clandes-

tine approach suggests an unwillingness to clash head-on with authority. Since it

is possible that this tactic may he used again, a close eye will have to be kept on

all transfers of school property.

72.

It would appear difficult to justify the continued existence of unregistered

schools, whether communist controlled or not, save as a matter of expediency. No

doubt the communists draw encouragement from the fact that they are allowed to carry

The new Education Ordinance (No. 52 of 1971) considerably strength-

on undisturbed.

ens the hand of the Director of Education in this matter. It is clear, however,

that there is no simple solution to this long standing problem and that any action

taken to regularize the position must be directed at unregistered schools in general,

not merely the offending communist institutions.

73.

Although rigid enforcement of all the enactments of the new Education

Ordinance would serve to remind Hong Kong Communist educational circles that they

SECRET