པས་
10 JAND76
200/3200/1 HILK 300/5
HIL PRESS REVIEW
21/28 JAN 1975
Fabian Society Report
The Fabian Society, an intellectual socialist organisation affiliated to the British Labour Party, published a pamphlet criticising the working and living conditions in Hong Kong and suggesting legislative and social changes.
The publication entitled, "Hong Kong: Britain's Responsibility" was written by a former lecturer at the University of Hong Kong, Mr. Joe England.
Nine papers commented editorially.
Sing Pao (26.1.76) said that although the pamphlet did not include any particularly new ideas and although what Mr. England had written might not. be accurate, it was undeniable that the report would provide good advice to the Government.
"It was inevitable that certain parts of the report might be wrong and inaccurate since Mr. England only lived in Hong Kong for four or five years and his observation might not be sufficiently penetrating," it said.
"Nevertheless, we believe that the report was well-intentioned. The Government should consider the points raised in the report and try to improve any deficiencies listed," Sing Pao added.
1
Ming Pao carried two editorials on the subject.
In its first (26.1.76) the paper agreed with Sing Pao in saying that Mr. England had published the report with the hope that Hong Kong would benefit.
However, it said that there were pros and cons to the report. It pointed out that the writer assessed Hong Kong on British standards as other British visitors had done.
"But this is not a bad thing because it makes us aware of our
and encourages us to carry out improvements actively," it
inadequacies
said.
The paper supported the proposed British Committee on Hong Kong Affairs and said that it would help pass local opinions and requests to the British Parliament.
As for a Commission of Inquiry into conditions in the Colony, Ming Pao said that this was unnecessary.
The paper said that Mr. England's criticism on China's policy towards Hong Kong demonstrated his ignorance of the situation.
"Such criticism would seriously impair Hong Kong's interests and is against the wishes of the majority," Ming Pao added.
In its second editorial (27.1.76) Ming Pao said that the title of the pamphlet "Hong Kong: Britain's Responsibility" indicated very well that it was Britain's duty to improve the existing unreasonable social conditions in Hong Kong.
The paper agreed with the basic principles and proposals of the report saying that, in a fair scciety, the poor and the workers should enjoy social benefits. More chances should also be given to the public to participate in political activities.
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