2
(v)
(vi)
The business value of some temporary commercial or industrial undertakings is enormous and disproportionate to compensation paid. They are temporary and often built without authority and thus illegal. There is no good case for paying much more although rates may need revising.
The scale of present-day clearances and resumptions far exceeds anything previously attempted. People are more prosperous and less willing to be removed. They have a greater feeling of rights and speak out more readily. Land values, too, have risen enormously and thus people have much more to lose.
I am afraid the brief has turned out to be long! I think the best thing, having read it, would be to bring it with you in March and I will run over it again with you in discussion.
I think Parry has been used as a cat's paw - although the expression seems somewhat incongruous! However some of the present leaders of the Heung Yee Kuk now perceive that by using him in this way they are likely to stir up Hong Kong people against themselves and are back pedalling somewhat, but the hot-heads are not easily cooled! But I do not think there is any stopping him by telling Parry or by explaining the situation in a balanced way. He will always be willing to listen to dissatisfaction whether justifiable or not, and from personal experience he will not hold to a balanced view. Very much for your personal information I think he is influenced or beholden to some of his Chinese constituents and not open to persuasion on the facts. I will have more to say on this when you arrive. Steuart Webb-Johnson of the London Office has also some interesting things to say if you have a chance to chat with him.
Youts sincercly
David
་
(D. Akers-Jones)
Secretary for the New Territories
DAJ/why Encl.
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