TNAG-0912-FCO40-1122-Policy-on-housing-and-resettlement-in-Hong-Kong-1979 — Page 37

(0)

(p)

- 3-

CONFIDENTIAL

An inventory was taken of the property involved, including livestock and it was properly and securely stored free of charge after the eviction. All of it has since been reclaimed without complaints of loss or damage.

The landlord has subsequently paid $180,000 to those evicted.

It is unfortunately true that the owner, since the eviction, has not properly cleared and secured the site, with the result that already two families have moved back in. An added complication is that several other owners in the same area have obtained writs of possession which would involve eviction of larger numbers of people. It is generally assumed that these owners were awaiting the outcome of the eviction made on the 24th before deciding whether to take similar action.

I am satisfied that we tried to solve this problem peacefully by every possible means over a very long period but finally had no alternative but to support the Bailiff in enforcing a Court Order. I am also satisfied that the Police used only the necessary force on the day of eviction and then with restraint and common sense.

*

*

*

| CONFIDE

+

IAL