TNAG-1014-FCO40-1264-HM-Government-s-responsibility-for-internal-affairs-in-Hong--1981 — Page 25

ག་

CONFIDENTIAL

- 9

機密

33.

As many of the publicity-sooking operations arranged

by pressure groups take place at wekends and on public holidays, and as it in for loss effective to have to runct and try to explain Coverment policies or refut distorted facts afterwards, departments should, as far as possible, monitor such activities in advance and issue, or be ready to issuc, statements or suitable background for the media to ensure a more balanced presentation.

34.

(c) Handling of Pressure Groups

Dep rtments should be encouraged to deal with pressure groups in consultation with the Secrotorict where neccsonry and respond promptly to any specific issue rainod. Whenover appropriate, a dialogue should be established with the groups but they should not necessarily be regarded as the scle

representatives on any issue; cfforts should be made to deal direct with, and inform, the people affected.

35.

Requests for information by pressure groups should be met, us for as possible, by providing information already available in Government published material or along the lines of answers to press queries or letters. Requests for interviews should not be automatically rejected since they can provide an

be opportunity to dispel misconceptions. Sometimes it might bo possible to obtain agreement of the group that no publicity should be given to the contents of interviews. Government representatives at such interviews should avoid implying agreement with the points raised by the group, lest this be takon and subsequently publicised as formal agreemont.

36.

Because of the additional burden and because of the political acumen required in dealing with pressure groups, Departments most affected by pressure group activities, such as Housing and Education, may well find it desirable that experienced and senior community relations officers be appointed.

(a) Intensification of Community Building Efforts

37.

One of the reasons why pressure groups thrive is the belief idely held by social work graduates that confrontation and propaganda are the most effective means of achieving sociol advance. A field which pressure groups have much exploited is squatter areas and temporary housing areas, where community facilities are generally 1 cking and where the squalid conditions often prosent fortile ground for their activities: It

is recommended that the number of community development projects prosently being operated by reliable voluntary agencies in the 'identified areas' (at the rate or six extra projects a year) should be incrcased. Because of the reliance on voluntary agencies who are in turn subject to influence or even direction by pressure groups, care should be taken to screen the projects and the sponsor selected. The increase in the number of community development projects should be subject to the ability of the District Social Welfare Officers to supervisc, control and, if necessary, intervene.

/38.

機密

CONFIDENTIAL #