course to interfere as little as possible with the social aspirations of the public.
It has been concluded that in order to facilitate early construction of accommodation, the administration of the camps, including the provision of staff, ready access to consular officials and UNHCR, fire protection, security etc the first camps must be on the mainland or Hong Kong Island. The attractions of selecting a remote island have been seriously considered but the logistics problems of a large camp in such a place, notably of supplying water and food, combatting fire and maintaining order, would present the Government with an intolerable administrative burden.
15
With the assistance of the New Territories Administration and the Environment and Housing Branches, a review of possible areas has been made. It had identified two sites (from a number which were considered) which would allow relatively quick development. These are as follows:
(a) Area of hard standing, etc at Kai Tak recently vacated
by the RAF. This area, most of which is planned for light industry, will not be available for sale for two years although the capital works for access, drainage, etc are due to start in about one year. This work would almost certainly have to be delayed for some time with consequent delays in land sales. The site is flat to facilitate speedy construction; it has mains services readily available; it has easy access and is capable of accommodating about 20,000 to 30,000 refugees. Consideration is being given to the security implications but these should be resolved and no insuperable difficulties are envisaged. The advantage in using this site would be that a camp could be constructed relatively quickly. There are good reasons for choosing sites in outlying areas rather within the built-up area of Kowloon and Hong Kong but no area which meets the guidelines given above could be developed as quickly as this camp and with the onset of the typhoon season, arrival of the refugees and the evitable construction time, speed will be essential.
(b) Borrow Area No 41, Sha Tin near Fo Tan. This is
series of very large level areas above the Sha Tin valley. No development is planned for approximately two years, but it has no services or easy access and occupation would prevent preparatory works for future permanent use. The area could accommodate upwards of 30,000 refugees.
CONFIDENTIAL
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