TNAG-0642-FCO40-790-Kowloon-Walled-City-and-aircraft-safety-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 132

CUNFIDENTA

Political climte

4.

In order to maintain a delicate political equilibrium, activities of the HKG in the City have so far been conducted under extreme caution and in such a way as not to provoke strong reaction from the residents and the vested interests who, in turn, may turn to the CPG. The CPG, on the other hand, appears to prefer to keep away from the Walled City issue so long as there is no absolute necessity which may justify intervention. For this reason, any action which my lead to large-scale social dislocation or strong opposition from the residents is not favoured by the Hong Kong Government for fear that the CPG may be forced to intervene. In 1973, when IKG decided to demolish two illegal multi-storey buildings at the periphery of the City, it was known that the left-wing Kaifong Welfare Promotion Committee was asked by the New China News Agency to keep out of the matter. In 1975, when HKG required two multi-storey buildings to comply with prescribed flight path height restrictions, the NCNA was alerted in advance. It appears that both HKG and CPG are eager in recent years to avoid major conflicts on this issue. It follows, therefore, that drastic action by the HKG in the City is out of question and a previous proposal for large-scale redevelopment involving removal of all the residents and construction of a modern housing estate is not much favoured. Indeed, the latest town planning proposal has suggested the area be redeveloped into proper district open space. On the other hand, measures to introduce environmental improvements and to provide social services appear to be very much sought after by the residents and tacitly agreeable by the CPG which may not like to see the eyesore continue to exist forever.

5.

Inside the City, though the left wing Walled City Kaifong Welfare Promotion Committee, formed originally in 1962 to oppose the KKG clearance plans, regards itself as an official organization representing the residents and is given some recognition by the NGNA, its influence over the residents appears to be largely confined to residents who choose to patronize its school and clinic. It has a total of 100 to 150 members, many of whom being members of some left wing trade unions. Its main function, used to be witnessing of Land exchanges and sales of flats, has recently been diverted to social and recreational activities. Residents generally do not

pay much attention to the Committee except at times of possible confrontations with the HKG when their interests are at stake and when the Committee is expected to act as a channel for mobilizing CPG support. Apart from a minority of leftists who run the Committee or involve in its school and clinic operation, most of the Walled City residents can be regarded as 'centralists' and, as most people in Hong Kong, are politically apathetic and prefer to place their own interests above any political doctrines.

Law and Order Situation

6.

In the past the City was notorious for its crimes which could be broadly divided into the 'organized' crimes, such as drug trade, gambling and vice dens and 'unorganized' crimes, such as robbery and theft. The former has a long history of existence and, ironically, probably because of its very existence and allegedly because of special policing systems organized by the syndicates, unorganized crimes have not flourished in recent years,

CONFIDE