refugee-problem-in-hong-kong-and-macao — Page 7

the call of the Chair. )
 REFUGEE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG AND MACAO


THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 1962
U.S. SENATE,
SUBCOMMITTEE ON REFUGEES AND ESCAPEES
OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY ,
Washington, D.O.
The subcommittee met, pursuant to recess, at 2 p.m., in room 357,
Old Senate Office Building, Senator Philip A. Hart ( chairman of the
subcommittee ) presiding.
Present : Senators Hart (chairman of the subcommittee ), and
Fong.
Also present : Curtis E. Johnson , staff director ; Dale S. De Haan,
research consultant, and Earl Nishimura, minority counsel.
Senator HART. The committee will be in order.
We resume hearings today on the Chinese refugee problem in
Hong Kong
Already we have received testimony from State Department offi
cials concerned with this problem, and representatives of various vol
untary agencies which have programs in the crown colony.
As I pointed out to the Senate on June 18, the recent heavy influx of
refugees into Hong Kong, served to highlight an already serious
refugee problem in this sensitive area of the world . The subcom
mittee has been actively concerned with the Hong Kong refugees and
this problem for several months. Events over the past few weeks,
however, have pointed up the urgency of the subcommittee's inquiry .
Since 1953 our Government has supplied over $30 million worthof
surplus agricultural commodities to American voluntary agencies for
distribution among needy persons in Hong Kong. We have expended
some $ 8,350,000 through our Far East refugee program.
This latter expenditureincludes aspecial contribution of $1 million
during World Refugee Year for the construction of a community
center, a children's reception center, a secondary school, and aa rehabil
itation center. Additional funds and energies to help alleviate the
situation in Hong Kong have come in substantial quantities from
private Americansources.
The subcommittee's hearings are addressed to the overall extent of
America's responsibility in the Hong Kong situation, the adequacy
and propriety of ourpresent program there,and otherpossible avenues
of approach to the long-term needs of the crown colony.
The subcommittee's inability to meet this morning because of a
special meeting ofthe full Judiciary Committeehas brought a change
in our schedule of witnesses. Mr. Herbert J. Waters, Assistant Ad
ministrator, Office of Material Resources of the Agency for Interna
tional Development, will not be able to appear at this time but will
be heard at a later date.
105
106 REFUGEE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG AND MACAO

We are fortunate in having with us today representatives of the
Lutheran Immigration Service and several Chinese - American com
munities in the United States.
I regret the inconvenience caused by the cancellation of this morn
ing's meeting, and the subcommittee appreciates your appearing this
afternoon ,
Senator Fong was engaged in the same meeting this morning that
took the subcommittee off the tracks." I am very grateful that he
adjusted an already upset schedule to join the subcommittee this after
noon. He has not only a long-term interest in refugee problems, but
a sensitive understanding of the problem with whichthe subcommittee
is currently engaged.
Senator Fong . Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am very happy to be
here to listen to the testimony.
Senator Hart. Mr. Donald Anderson, for the Lutheran Immigra
tion Service.

STATEMENT OF DONALD E. ANDERSON , DIRECTOR, LUTHERAN
IMMIGRATION SERVICE

Senator HART. I should indicate, both to Mr. Anderson and the
others who will follow—the prepared statements will be printed in full
and as submitted in the record. It is completely within the discretion
of the witness whether toread the statement or to summarize it, or to
read it and interpolate. So we hope all ofyou will feel free to present
your views to the committee in any style that you wish.
Mr. ANDERSON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I think I would like
to read the statement, and then possibly make a brief comment follow
ing the reading of the statement.
Mr. Chairman and distinguished members of the committee, my
name is Donald E. Anderson . I am the director of Lutheran Immi
gration Service .
Lutheran Immigration Service is a joint agency of the six Lutheran
Churches participating in the National Lutheran Council and also
for the Lutheran Church -Missouri Synod. The total membership of
these seven national church bodies numbers approximately 8 million
persons. Lutheran Immigration Service , as an agency, operates in
cooperation with the Lutheran World Federation, Department of
World Service, in Geneva. Represented in the Lutheran World Fed
eration are 61 Lutheran churches located in 32 countries with a com
bined membership of about 50 million persons.
Formerly I was the secretary for resettlement and material relief
for the Lutheran World Federation . While serving in this position,
I was an officer oftheInternational Committee forthe World Refugee
Year, and an officer of the standing Conference of Voluntary Agencies
Working for Refugees. In addition, I served as the chairman of a
working party for non-European migration created by the nongov
ernmental organizations interested in migration.
In these various capacities, I have had an opportunity, as well as an
obligation, to become acquainted with the problems of Chinese refu
gees and the various programs conducted on their behalf, especially
within the Hong Kong area. In view of this, and in view of the con
cern which the Lutheran churches have exhibited for Chinese refugees,
I both welcome and annreciate this opportunity to address this com
 REFUGEE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG AND MACAO 107

mittee, as I understand that it is your purpose to compile information
on present programs in the Hong Kong area, and receive suggestions
for additional programs, in orderthat you may determine what action
the U.S. Government might, or should undertake in order to further
alleviate this serious situation .
I am sure that this committee is already fully aware of the com
plex and difficult problems involved in defining who is a Chinese
refugee in Hong Kong.
I will only state that we accept and give assistance to the limit of
our resources to all Chinese who would not, under circumstances, re
side in Hong Kong, as well as to those Chinese whose needs have de
veloped as the result of immigration into HongKong. Wehave found
that it is impossible to justly apply any traditional definition of the
term “refugee" inthe colony,andfor this reason sympathetically sup
port the stated policy of the Hong Kong Government,which has never
in any way madea distinction between the immigrantpopulation and
a

the population which hasits grassroots in Hong Kong.
It will be helpful, I believe, Mr. Chairman, if I describe for you the
typical Chinese refugee residing in Hong Kong as the Lutheran
churches have learned to know him since 1954. I can describe him
best, perhaps, by relating briefly the story of Mr. H.,as told by Pastor
Ludwig Stumpf, director of the Lutheran World Federation's pro
gram in Hong Kong.
Mr. H. in the year 1937 successfully graduated from the Sun Yat
sen University. He was called into the service of his country and for
10 years occupied the responsible post of a chief accountant of a pro
vincial government department. The fateful year 1949 arrived. As
millions of other human beings in the 20th century, he packed his few
possessions, locked the door of his home and joined the army of the
homeless men whose number seems to stretch into infinity . Ăn over
crowded little steamboat took him and his family down Pearl River
to the British Colony of Hong Kong .
Mr. H. did not let himself become downhearted nor confused by
this new exasperating life experience. He rented a little squatter hut
a

of 10 by 12 feet, repaired the leaking roof with tar paper and im
mediately went out to search for work. He was lucky . A quarry in
the new territories employed him as an accountant. But more diffi
culties were in store for him .
An economic depression resulted in the closing down of the quarry
and Mr. H. once again became one of the many jobless refugees in
Hong Kong. But this time he did not find employment. Hundreds
of bookkeepers from the mainland had entered the colony. The
meager savings of his family dwindled away quickly.
In order to cover the medical expenses for a sick child, the wrist
watch of Mr. H. found its way to the pawnshop. Other articles of
his household followed . It was then decided that Mrs. H. should take
over . With a small loan he bought a second -hand sewing machine and
Mrs. H., unafraid of losing face, installed herself on a busy pavement
in Kowloon withher sewing machine, offering her services as a seam
stress to the neighborhood . Thus a second -hand sewing machine be
came the sole breadwinner of a family of five persons.
It was only when the machine, after years of wear and tear, badly
needed repair, or rather, needed to be replaced, that Mr. H. asked for
108 REFUGEE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG AND MACAO


help and advice from the Lutheran churches. His hut was found to
be neat and tidy, and his children clean and orderly. He received
help and advice.
Multiply this story of Mr. H. by the thousands, and it becomes
possible to know the Chinese refugee as we have learned to know him.
His hardship, his poverty, and the almost insurmountable conditions
>

surrounding him have not destroyed his integrity and dignity as a
human being.
As in the case of Mr. H., all these refugees have asked us for is an
opportunity to help themselves work out their own solutions to their
own problems. I am sure that this is what they would also ask you
if they were sitting here today. This is how we have learned to know
theChinese refugee, and this is how we would have others know him.
With this understanding of the refugee as a background , then , per
mit me to briefly outline and discuss what we have observed to be some
of the fundamental problems which prevent and complicate the task
we all have in providing opportunities for these refugees to help
themselves.
As this committee is aware, there are only three possible solutions
to any refugee problem once the refugee has arrived in an area of first
asylum . He can be repatriated , emigrated, or absorbed.
Repatriation is only a solution for those who can return to their
homes without fear of persecution . The very nature of the present
political situation in the world today makes this a solution for the
minority - and even for them there is no certainty, in areas such as
Hong Kong, that repatriation will not result in persecution. There
fore, this is not a solution to the Chinese refugee problem .
We would suggest that any program of repatriation which is en
tered into be entered into withcare and a greatdeal ofcaution in order
that needless suffering is not incurred by any individual who simply
asks the right to live freely without compromising his dignity and
integrity as a human being.
The second possibility is emigration. Whenever applied, emigra
tion has proved to be an effective solution to refugee problems. The
theory is that if you disperse a given group within relatively stable
communities, even where there is an unemployment problem , they
adjust and become self-supporting.
Dispersion through emigration, in order to be effective, however,
must take into account countless factors such asthe potential economic
growth of a given area, the community's ability to absorb different
language groups, cultural values and traditions, and the refugee's
ability to adjust to thenew community, et cetera. Emigration, there
fore, is only an effective solution when it is carefully planned and
administered. We have learned since the last war that simply " dump
ing ” people into scattered communitiesis no solution, and therefore,
when we speak of emigration as a possible solution, I assume that we
agree this means carefully planned and administered programs of
emigration. Not all Chinese refugees in Hong Kong desire to emi
grate, but there are thousands who see no other alternative and will
emigrate.
Recently we received a report from Hong Kong which summarized
the present possibilities for the emigration of Chinese refugees. This
report only pointed out again, however, that it is virtuallyimpossible,
 REFUGEE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG AND MACAO 109

or extremely difficult, for all except a limited few to obtain visas for
entry into any country as permanentresidents.
If, for example,Mr. H., whois a desirable immigrant in that he has
the will to work, the initiative to find ways to support himself and his
family, and the dignity and integrity to become a good citizen, wished
toemigrate, it would be almost impossible for him to do so.
We are convinced, however, that there are countries where Chinese
refugees would, if given the opportunity, find ways and means to
support themselves and their families without creating any difficulties
for the present population, and, if their emigration were properly
planned and administered , they would, we believe, contribute signifi
cantly to the general welfare and prosperity of these countriesas a
whole.
The recent decisions of the United States and Taiwan to admit
approximately 6,000 and 10,000 Chinese from Hong Kong, respec
tively, were made after this report wascompiled.
It is our hope - you recall we submitted a letter to this committee on
June 5 which gave our reaction to the President's decision.
Senator Hart. It is my impression that this letter has been made a
part of this record. Yes, it has.
Mr. ANDERSON . Thank you.
It is our hope, as we indicated in our letter of June 5, 1962, that
other countries will also agree to accept Chinese from Hong Kong for
resettlement within their borders, for it is this type of constructive
action which is needed in order to further alleviate the present
problem .
From past experience, however, we do not believe that many nations
will act until an intergovernmental agency is designated to develop,
plan, and administer emigration programs for Chinese refugees.
Voluntary groups, such as ourselves, cannot effectively help these
refugees emigrate in significant numbers.
I would like to add here that in another context we would use a
term “massive movements,” for this is what we really mean. There
are a limited number of persons whom we and others have assisted
in emigrating. But here we are saying that we, as agencies, cannot
effectively handle mass movements of people.
We do believe, however, that if anintergovernmental agency were
given responsibility for developing, planning, and administering an
emigration program ,refugees such as Mr.H. would find opportunities
and ways to solve their problems.
The third possibility is for Hong Kong to absorb the refugee. This
is the stated desire of the Hong Kong Government, as I believe this
committee is aware. The tools needed for this task were again clearly
outlined in a report made to the Hong Kong Legislative Council on
June 13, 1962, by the Colonial Secretary , the Honorable Claude
Burgess , when he stated that :
For us in Hong Kong today the necessary tools are the opportunity to travel
freely, a reasonable access to world markets, and a vigorous capital program .
Given these, we ( too ) will finish the job.
Even though we are not economists, we believe the tools mentioned
in this statement will enable Hong Kong to absorb a large number of
these refugees. Thus we question whether the recent trade restrictions
imposed upon Hong Kong are truly in keeping with our longstanding
desire to assist theChinese refugee find a more reasonable and con
87544-62-8
110 REFUGEE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG AND MACAO


structive life. If we limit the refugee's market,and prevent his move
ment to other areas, what alternative does the Chinese refugee have,
other than poverty and hardship ?
What I am attempting to underscore, Mr. Chairman, are some of the
problems which havemade it extremely difficult for Chinese refugees
to help themselves. The refugee cannot be repatriated nor return to
his former home; he cannot emigrate because of restrictive immigra
tion laws and policies, and he cannot fully develop opportunities to
support himself where he is as he cannot find enough markets for his
products. We know that all he wants is an opportunity to help him
self and for this opportunity he must look to his neighbor in the
world community.
Until something is done to provide opportunities for the refugee to
help himself, we believe that welfare and relief programs are
imperative.
What is of deep concern to us is that we see no end to these welfare
programs until something is done or initiated to solve the basic and
larger problems which I have mentioned. The program of the Lu
theran churches,, and others, have increased each year. Governmental
programs, as a result of the World Refugee Year, have also increased
and there is evidence that they should increase even more.
In order that this committee can have a picture of our Lutheran
program , I have attached as an exhibit to this statement a summary
report of the Lutheran World Federation program in Hong Kong for
the 6 -month period ending December 31, 1961. You will note in this
report various projects for helping the refugee help himself.
In addition , we have received countless suggestions for supporting
additional projects, such as primary schools, day nurseries, rehousing
of refugees, additional dental and medical clinics, rehabilitation of the
mentally affiicted and physically handicapped , vocational retraining,
et cetera . The possible number of welfare, relief, and self-help proj
ects are almost unlimited, and we hope that this committee will explore
possible additional assistance for supporting a greater number of
projects such as these.
In conclusion , Mr. Chairman, permit me to briefly summarize what
I have said as follows :
1. The Chinese refugee does desire to support himself and if given
this opportunity, he will solve his own problem ;
2. That repatriation is not a solution;
3. That emigration can be a possible solution for significant numbers
of refugees in Hong Kong if anintergovernmental body is created or
designated to develop, plan, and administer emigration programs;
4. That large numbers of these refugees can be absorbed into the
Hong Kong community if their products are given reasonable access
to world markets;
5. That, until programs can be developed for solving the basic
problems of Chinese refugees in Hong Kong, both government and
voluntary agency relief and welfare programswill have to continue on
an increasing scale for an indefinite period of time.
As a matter of information , I should also state that Lutheran Im
migration Service has decided to cooperate and assist with the move
ment of Chinese refugees to the United States, if needed. Our present
information indicates that only a few will need this assistance in
 REFUGEE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG AND MACAO 111

view of the fact that most of those to be admitted will be assisted by
relatives and employers in the United States.
Also, I think that your committee would be interested in knowing
that the Lutheran Immigration Service Committee, which is our
governing board, adopted a resolution on June 12, 1962, relating to
the Senate bill S. 3043. This resolution states that Lutheran Immi
gration Service will —
actively support the principles and objectives implicit in this legislation in our
representation to the churches, Members of Congress, and other interested
organizations and bodies.
Lastly, Mr. Chairman,,we want to commend you and your committee
for your continuing sense of responsibility toward this problem in
Hong Kong and the problems of refugees throughout the world.
Thank you for this opportunity to appear here today.
Senator Hart. Mr. Anderson, thank you very much .
First, thankyou for the endorsement and your support for the en
actment of S. 3043, of which both Senator Fong and I are sponsors.
That suggests a long-term course that I think increasingly, or at least
I hope increasingly ,more and more people willsense is the right and
desirable thing to do, and that this is thetime to do it.
If it were on the books now,> we would have aa flexible 50,000 figure
for admission of refugees, come what may.
If it is appropriate to do it here, the committee would hope that you
would convey to all who are associated with the Lutheran World
• Federation our appreciation for the activity which they have been
engaged in for a long time, but specifically in Hong Kong.
I have not had a chance, and I doubt if any of us on the committee
have had a chance, carefully to study the program summary which
you have attached to the statement. I am sure that we and the readers
of the record will benefit from it. From the little I have seen, I am
struck by both the breadth of the program and the detail of experience
developed under it.
( The report referred to is as follows :)
SEMIANNUAL REPORT, JULY 1-DECEMBER 31 , 1961, OF THE LUTHERAN WORLD
FEDERATION , DEPARTMENT OF WORLD SERVICE, HONG KONG
I. MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES

Since 1954, Lutheran World Service has devoted much of its energy and re
sources to the restoration of health , the promotion of physical and mental fitness,
and the prevention of disease. It maintans a 50-bed hospital, 3 out-patient clin
ics, and a mobile dental clinic.
( a ) Fanling Hospital
This is still one of only two general hospitals in the new territories mainland
with a rural population of 400,000 . The hospital has the following facilities :
Maternity ward, female medical and female surgical wards, male medical and
male surgical wards, children's ward, O.P.D. and tuberculosis clinics, dental sur
gery, operation theater, X - ray, diathermy, clinical laboratory, dispensary, and
social work department.
A new medical superintendent was appointed in September. A full -time sur
geon has also been on the staff since December 1 . The new tuberculosis clinic
was opened in October, and a new dispensary with up-to-date equipment is being
installed .
Inpatients 454
Outpatient attendances .. 7,464
( b ) Outpatient clinics
In Kowloon, Victoria, and Un Long. The two clinics serving the overcrowded
urban areas of Kowloon and Victoria have a monthly attendance of 4,000. The
112 REFUGEE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG AND MACAO

third clinic is situated in the largest satellite town of the new territories with a
population of about 100,000. Among the services provided in these clinics, we
have provided five artificial limbs or joints and three wheelchairs.
Patients treated .- 3,631
Hospitalized- 182
211
X -ray
( c ) Mobile dental clinic
Since April 1960, a well-equipped, air-conditioned mobile dental clinic has been
catering for the underprivileged children for whom no dental care is available
in Hong Kong. It serves eight different refugee resettlement areas daily.
Treatment is also given at the dental clinic in Fanling Hospital.
Patients treated -- 3, 434
II . VOCATIONAL TRAINING

The ultimate objective of our vocational training scheme is the economic inde
pendence of the trainee and his dependents. Our aim is to give him a basic
training in a trade or craft fitting to compete in the industrial employment
market or to set up his own small business. Two major advances have been
made in the administration of the department, the initiation of placement sur
veys on all graduated trainees and regular checks on employment. With the
information collected from these reviews the task of finding employment for
graduates of future classes is made easier. The information is also instru
mental in enabling us to evaluate the strong and weak points of the individual
classes.
The most successful class has been the cookery class. All the graduates of the
class ending in November are now employed. This is due to a number of factors.
There is an excellent teacher in charge ; the publicity has been good ; and the
need for trained employees in the hotel and catering business is increasing daily..
The work of the department was expanded in June when day and evening
classes in tailoring, carpentry, and mechanics began in the newly opened Prin
cess Alexandra Community Center at Tsun Wan. The appointment of a grad
uate of Hong Kong Technical College to the class for mechanics ( air-conditioner
repair and maintenance ) resulted in the improvement in the work and discipline
of students.
Plans for the future are centered on the four-story trade school to be built in :
Kwun Tong. On completion , this will accommodate approximately 1,000 students
engaged in courses planned in line with the industrial needs of the colony.
The figure for attendance at the classes which follow are for those classes be
ginning in November and December. The previous courses were attended by
over 230 students.
Wong Tai Sin :
Tailoring class-
9998899gs e97 % B8




23
Porcelain painting class --
Bookkeeping class .. 10
Basic accounting class.
Cost-accounting class_
Shorthand and typewriting class.
English class.-
Evening English class.. 12
Evening tailoring class.. 16
Tsun Wan :
Tailoring class .- 16
Mechanical class .. 19
Carpentry class .
Evening tailoring class.. 20
Evening mechanical class... 18
Evening carpentry class .
Lung Tao Street :
Mechanical class.-
14
吐 H97




Evening mechanical class. 11
Shaukiwan : Tailoring class. 10
Kimberly Road : Cookery class.
Total.
234
 REFUGEE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG AND MACAO 113
III . SELF - SUPPORT

This department has undergone a number of changes during the last 6 months.
Under the direction of the casework supervisor, criteria were set up for deter
mining the type of help that could be given and the eligibility of applicants.
After a few months' experience of working with these criteria, it was found nec
essary to amend them; the revised criteria have since been circulated to all
concerned in welfare work in Hong Kong.
The sum allocated to an applicant may take the form of a grant or loan de
pending on the amount granted and the nature of the intended project. The
objective is to bring economic security to the client and his dependents on a
permanent basis. The aid given out by this department does not include material
relief, medical or educational assistance.
So far the work has been conducted on an experimental basis with one case
worker attached to the department. During the few months since the reorgani
zation of the department 49 families have been assisted. Most of these have
been for the establishing of small private enterprises.
Now as the number of applications received for this type of aid increases a sec
ond trained caseworker has been transferred to the department, and it is expected
that the work will expand considerably during the next few months.
IV . CRAFTS

From an original operation which purchased cottage-industry products brought
in by the maker, a wide field has opened. We have now come within sight of our
two major objectives. The first is to give our craftsmen more pay for better
work ; the second to add new products and so employ more workers.
Demand for the products is satisfactory and is increasing. Orders are waiting
when we can assure delivery, of jewelry boxes, dolls, brocade garments, and em
broidered and beaded sweaters. Our workers are kept occupied on actual rather
than potential shipments.
We have helped new and old workers to step up the quality of their goods by
attaching them to highly trained and experienced craftsmen at our own work
shops. After a few months they improve considerably and are able to continue
their handicrafts at home. It is intended that in time a high percentage of the
workers will prove capable of handling their own businesses or of forming coop
eratives among themselves .
With this end in view, we have concentrated on helping
( a ) Recently hospitalized and convalescent workers who cannot yet go
back to factory work.
( 0 ) Younger and older persons who are not desirable workers for
factories.
( C ) The physically handicapped who are generally ill-treated and
underpaid.
( d ) Those with unusual skills who do not fit into mass production work.
( e ) Those who must work at home because of family conditions.
( f ) The vocational school graduate who needs some experience before he
can command decent wages.
Once these people are sufficiently self-assured , physically recovered , or have
become truly skilled in making products suitable for today's market, the bar.
riers to private employment disappear. It is not proposed that we become perma
nent manufacturers of any certain types of goods but rather that we direct the
worker into paths which will lead to his independence.
V. RURAL RESETTLEMENT

From the experimental work done at Sai Kung and the experience derived
from Fu Le Tsun and Ma On Shan, the of he department has become
more closely associated with the overall aims of the New Territories Administra
tion Department of Government. The new projects at Cheung Chau and Ma
Cho Lung have reinforced the belief that still closer cooperative Development
and Fisheries Department of the Government enables us to play an even greater
part in the establishing of social communities on the islands and in the new
territories .
Two projects at Cheung Chau and Ma Cho Lung are aimed at rehousing the
people already in these districts living in unhealthy and substandard conditions.
In the rural new territories we are providing vitally needed housing, preparatory
114 REFUGEE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG AND MACAO

to the Cooperative Development Department building up the individual family
units into a coherent and self- supporting whole.
Sai Kung . - Thirty -two families now in residence, 12 of the clients are widows,
9 of the husbands in other families are ex -tuberculosis patients ; total population
201 , 142 being 16 years old or younger.
Ma On Shan.-Sixteen houses all occupied ; total population 108, 59 being
under 16. The majority work at the mines nearby and were living previously
in appalling conditions in makeshift shacks by the shore.
Fu Le Tsun .-All 19 houses have now been completed.
Ma Cho Lung.—This area has been occupied by 60 or 70 refugee families who
previously lived just across the frontier and crossed over to work their land in
British territory. These now occupy wooden structures built on piles which are
frequently isolated by rains and floods and threatened by the River Shan Chun .
It is planned to resettle these people on the slope of a hill nearby. The plans of
the houses have already been accepted by the village representative.
Cheung Chau Island. The scheme provides for the construction of resettle
ment blocks, each block consisting of 13 units. The purpose is to remove refugee
fishermen from their present squalid living conditions, to give them a new home
and so to provide the means to a new life.
Tsing Yi Island . — The proposal is to establish a small resettlement area to
rehouse families living in huts in Tsing Yi town. The huts have to be cleared
to make way for the development of the town . The Resettlement Department
of the Government will form the sites and the cost of site formation will be
borne by the New Territories Administration . The construction of the houses by
Lutheran World Service will begin in April or May.
VI . TBC REHABILITATION

This is a pilot project which began in July 1960. Its aim is to provide post
hospitalization aid and is designed to rehabilitate the breadwinner of the family
recovering from tuberculosis by assisting him to become self-supporting. Single
needy ex - tuberculosis patients are also eligible.
Rehabilitation does not simply mean that the patient is given some kind of
routine light employment, for the clinical, psychological and particularly the
social circumstances of the individual have a strong bearing on the course to
be taken in any one case . Four trained caseworkers are employed to conduct
the office interviews and home visits and assist in the planning for the individual .
( Five forms of rehabilitation are normally employed :
( a ) Industrial occupation
Efforts are made to get the client back into his old job , if this is not injurious
to his health, rather than to train him for a new one,
( 6 ) Home industries
The organization of handicrafts and other work in the client's home. Raw
materials often have to be provided and methods of selling the finished products
to be devised. This is worked out in cooperation with our crafts department.
( c ) Establishment in business or small holding
This involves an initial capital outlay to set up a small business that will have
some chance of providing a livelihood for the man and his family. For the first
year at least he usually needs a great deal of advice and encouragement from
this agency .
( d ) Rural resettlement
For families with a farming background. Assistance includes construction of
simple houses, pigsties, and chickenhouses ; terracing the land, provision of
free animal feed for the first 6 months, and a small care and maintenance allow
ance for the family for the first year.
( e ) Vocational training
For those who have to learn a trade or change their occupation, this is usually
provided by one of our vocational training classes. Financial assistance has to
be given for the trainee and his family during this period .
In all our activities we work very closely with the Government departments
concerned . There are frequent consultations between the senior Government
tuberculosis specialist, the senior tuberculosis almoner and the supervisor ; ac
cepted cases report regularly to the nearest chest clinics for observation and
followup treatment.
 REFUGEE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG AND MACAO 115

A considerable step forward has been made by the setting up of the tuber
culosis rehabilitation advisory committee which has attempted to coordinate the
work of the medical and health services, the rehabilitating agency and the
Federation of Hong Kong Industries with a view to the employment of the ex
tuberculosis patients.
So far 79 cases have been rehabilitated and all are kept under supervision ; 66
cases are under investigation , but the rehabilitating process has not yet been
completed.
VII . CATEGORICAL AIR


This department was formed in May 1961, and it now provides both long and
short term help , acting to an extent as a clearinghouse in an attempt to meet
the needs of those for whom there are no other resources available in this
organization or the rest of the community .
Long-term assistance . - Cases which are thought to need continuous help for
more than 3 months come into this category. Where a family or an individual
will need help for more than 1 year, his case is submitted for sponsorship. The
majority of these are arranged through the Oxford Committee for Famine
Relief in England or through private groups and organizations in Germany.
The sponsors send regular contributions of money which is passed on to the
client through this office, in the form of cash grants or specific relief. The amount
of help given is not restricted and the cases are of great variety - rent, tuition
fees, hospital fees, grants toward maintenance , clothing, textbooks, special
medical treatment, etc. Often it is a case of tiding the family over until the
children have left school and can earn their own living, or while the main
breadwinner has to go into the hospital for a long course of treatment.
Short -term assistance . — This provides help of even more varied kinds. Its
chief purpose is to cater for any emergencies, e.g. , accidents or sudden illness,
birth or death, loss of employment. Help is given usually as a one-time grant
as an immediate measure of relief ; grants are not continued for more than
3 months as purely emergency measures, but such a case is considered as a
long -term one.
The department is under the supervision of a graduate of Hong Kong Uni
versity with a social work diploma assisted by two trained caseworkers. The
present caseload is 243. Over 50 new cases are being referred every month, an
indication of the need for these services in the community. Another case
worker is now being appointed to the department to help with the increasing
caseload.
As at December 31 :
Long -term cases.. 1148
Short -term cases . 38
Cases under investigation. 57

Total active cases . 243
1 Of these 114 are sponsored .
VIII . STUDENT AID

The object of this department is to give assistance to secondary or middle
school graduates to continue with postsecondary studies who would not other
wise be able to afford this. For the new academic year beginning October 1961,
we have concentrated our support on students in the four leading postsecondary
colleges in Hong Kong, Baptist, Chung Chi, New Asia and United Colleges.
But those students whose applications were accepted before September 1, 1961,
have not lost their grants . In December assistance was also given to 12 special
students at Hong Kong Technical College on the recommendation of the
principal.
We received over 200 applications for grants to study for the academic year
1961-62 and we were able to accept about half these, over twice the number
receiving grants from this department last year. The grants were made as
follows :
Students
Tuition fee grant ... 50
Work scholarship . 12
Technical college 12
Care and maintenance --- 23
Tuition fee grant and care and maintenance_ 10

Total 107
116 REFUGEE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG AND MACAO

IX . CHILD WELFARE

This department, now over 2 years old, derives its funds from sponsorships
arranged through the Lutheran World Federation in Sweden. The present basis
of its program is to provide tuition fees for children in primary school. Over
3,300 children receive grants to study in primary school. Pupils in middle,
technical and deaf and dumb schools have also been given assistance. Grants
are made for textbooks and uniforms in addition to the monthly tuition fees.
But it is not sufficient just to pay school bills. We try to insure that the
children we help receive education of a high standard, and that they are able
to absorb this, and make full use of all the activities of the school. Our hope
is that in the future they will be able to make a better contribution to the
development of their family, society , and culture.
With this aim a school-visiting program bas been started. A registered
school does not necessarily mean a good school, and by these visits we are able
to see that our students receive the best education available in their district.
By monthly contact with the children we try to find out where there is a special
need and make grants toward living expenses.
The instruction and treatment given in the child welfare treatment room
form a further part of this overall assistance. Over 650 children a month
recieve a biscuit and a weekly glass of milk — or Vita - vitamin if this is in short
supply. Mothers and children receive treatment for minor ailments there ;
for more extensive treatment they are referred to our medical treatment
center.
With the encouragement and assistance of continued and even larger support
from sponsors in Sweden, plans for the expansion of the program are being
discussed by a working committee drawn from the heads of departments.
The present figures are as follows :
Ohildren
Primary school.- 3, 152
Middle school.-- . 143
Maintenance to scholarship students.
Technical school.-- 2




O
Deaf-and -dumb school - 8
LWS resettlement village Sai Kung--- 65

Total.- 3 , 373
11,555 families.
X. MATERIAL RELIEF

The third milk bar operated by Lutheran World Service was opened at the
Tsun Wan resettlement estate in November, We now run 3 milk bars and 3
mobile canteens to provide extra nourishment for the poor children of Hong
Kong. About 2,000 children receive milk and crackers at Tsun Wan and the
total number of children now served daily reaches 12,000. In addition we
supply milk powder and crackers for two other operations. The new milk bar
is the first of such facilities that we have provided in the new territories ;
another one is being planned for the children at Yaumati.
In our distribution of foodstuffs we have completed the necessary changeover
from a mass selection of food recipients to a selection made on an individual
basis in accordance with agreed -upon standards. As a result of the more rigorous
examination the number of recipients has for the moment been reduced , but it
will increase again as new applicants are found eligible. The program was
disrupted when news was received that no more rice would be delivered and it
was not yet known if Bulgur wheat would be accepted by the Chinese. There
fore there was a period when no new applicants were accepted, but the expiries
of the ration cards continued , thus reducing still further the total number of
recipients.
It is felt that the clients presently holding ration cards are less likely to sell,
which may account for less buying actively near our centers. If no applications
are approved unless a home visit has been made there is likely to be a further
reduction in selling.
The needy persons who actually profit from the distribution of U.S. surplus
foods by Lutheran World Service is greater than is shown under the number of
persons served because of allocations made to institutions. The Mennonite Cen
tral Committee uses 800 pounds of noodles from Lutheran World Service each
 REFUGEE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG AND MACAO 117

week in their hot lunch program for over 2,000 schoolchildren . The crackers dis
tributed by our milk bars and canteens contain U.S. surplus flour, cornmeal and
milk plus additional ingredients.
As the weather became colder, we began distribution of used clothing to all
food recipients and this was completed before the end of December. Clothing was
also distributed to the Russian refugees registered with the World Council of
Churches. Distribution has now started with 2,000 padded quilts which arrived
late from the factory in early December.
Quantities distributed
Pounds
Flour 609, 825.00
Noodle 92, 100.00
Noodles 106, 693.00
Milk powder 42, 882. 50
Milk bars 28 , 485. 50
Noodle 5 , 098.00
Corn Meal . 657, 233. 00
Noodle 6, 792.00
Rice 293 , 913.00
Bulgur wheat_ 104, 790.00
Crackers 41, 599.50

Number of persons served - total aggregate of period July 1 - Dec. 31, 1961
Milk bars and mobile canteens ( children ) -- 895, 503
Distribution centers new territories and fishermen (persons ) 124, 127
Feeding station (noodles ) ( persons ) 12, 720
L. STUMPF, Director.
JANUARY 29, 1962.
Senator HART. If you were asked to name one program above allelse
which you think would serve best the needs of the people in Hong
Kong, and reflect best the concern of this country for them , what would
it be ?
Mr. ANDERSON. Well, let me answer in this way . One of the real
problems that we have faced is that we have notbeen able to find
and I do not think anybody else has either on a governmental level or
a nongovernmental level - to find along-range policy or strategy which
would lead to a solution of this problem .
I think that if we could name one program which would best serve
these people, we would certainly do so . But I think we would be
very hesitant to settle on any single program . What we would really
like to see, I think , is an intergovernmental body to start consultations
which would lead to the development of a long-range strategy and
plan for the solution of this problem .
Until a long-range plan is developed we have no alternative, I be
lieve, but to continue a welfare and relief program which really does
no solve problems at all.
I read numerous case histories before selecting the story of Mr. H. I
selected Mr. H.'s story because Pastor Stumpf indicated that this
story --in many ways - was a perfect and typical example of a Chinese
refugee.
But there was another story which may help make my point that
present programs are not leading to permanent solutions for these
refugees. This is the story of a refugee who arrived in Hong Kong
in 1951 or 1952. Upon arrival in the colony, he moved into a hut,
which was among 10,000 huts later destroyed by fire. He then moved
on to the street, ate at Government kitchens. Finally he was helped
118 REFUGEE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG AND MACAO


and rehoused in a new Government building, in an apartment which
was 9 by 12 feet. As this space had to be occupied by five people,
and there were only three in his family, he had to live with another
family of three in the same apartment. And one of the three had
active tuberculosis.
This man thencontracted TB, and again he had to be helped for
the third time. It is not unusual that each time we help a person to
help himself, a new need develops. It seems as if we can never really
solve individual problems permanently. As the solution to one prob
lem simply leads to another.
We would say that immigration must be seriously considered.
There is not enough space for everyone in Hong Kong. Overcrowding
has created manyproblems. Economic growth can help considerably
as well as can additional housing.
But II do not think that we would dare say that anyone single pro
gram can lead to a solution of this problem .
I hope I have conveyed my point, as this is a very complex problem .
If we had any single program to recommend we would certainly share
it with you .
Senator HART. Senator Fong ?
Senator Fong. Mr. Anderson, I am very impressed with the varied
programs your Lutheran Council hasbeen carryingout in Hong Kong.
How long have you been engaged in that work, as far as the Lutheran
Church is concerned ?
Mr. ANDERSON. We really started in a serious way about 1954,
maybe late 1953.
Senator Fong. Are you in a position totell us approximately how
much the Lutheran Church is spending in Hong Kong, how much has
it spent ?
If you do not wish to answer that, it is perfectly all right.
Mr. ANDERSON. Well, it was considerably more than a quarter of
a million dollars, but I cannot tell you how much more. I have been
away from the administrationof this program for about 2 years. I
would be hesitant to give you a figure now.
We also receive, as you know, support through various govern
mental agencies, both in Hong Kong and from theUnited States, and
this strengthens our programconsiderably. I am sure that you have
access to Government records which will show the extent of the sup
port we are receiving from U.S. Government agencies.
We are spending well over $250,000 of church money a year.
Senator Fong. A year ?
Mr. ANDERSON. Yes.
Senator Fong . Now, in your work in the colony of Hong Kong,
how do you find the cooperation of the British authorities ?
Mr. ANDERSON . We have found close cooperation.
In the summary report for the 6 -month period ending December 31,
1961, you will find that we are trying in various areas to increase this
cooperation and coordination. In general, however, I think that we
have aa very favorable relationship and a cordial relationship.
Senator" Fong. You have stated that the Hong Kong Government
does not call these refugees "refugees” but, rather, treats them as
part of the residents of the colony. And you suggested that an inter
governmental agency be set up .
 REFUGEE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG AND MACAO 119

Now , due tothe fact that the Hong Kong Government looks at this
as a local problem and not as a problem in which it is asking for
help — it has not asked for help — I think the general feeling we have
is that it is trying to keep it within its boundaries — how would an
intergovernmental agencydevelop under these circumstances ?
Mr. ANDERSON. This is a very difficult question to answer .
I must say that we support the policy of the Hong Kong Govern
ment which treats refugees and the indigenous population alike, be
cause we ourselves are faced with a problem when two people come to
us who are in desperate need. We cannot say to one person , you are
a refugee and therefore we will help you, but you are not and therefore
we cannot help you. This position , we could not face as an agency.
We must treat all as individuals in need. And certainly the influx of
refugees has developed needs for many of the indigenous population.
Now , how would refugees be defined, if an intergovernmental
agency entered into the picture? This I do not know , but I think this
is one of the things that an intergovernmental body could decide.
Possibly the best approach is to consider this as a population problem
and look for a solution to the refugee problem in this way.
Senator Fong. As soon as you talk about government, the Hong
Kong Government must necessarily be a party. It would be probably
presumptuous for us as a government tonegotiate with another gov
ernment for the emigration of refugees when the Hong Kong Govern
ment is not in the picture.
Mr. ANDERSON . I think this is true. It would be presumptuous.
But we have never been convinced that this problem is not a responsi
bility of the international community.
Senator Fong. On the governmental level, it would be a very diffi
cult problem , if the Hong Kong Government does not want to be a
party to it.
Mr. ANDERSON . I believe it would be a difficult problem if the Hong
Kong government does not want to be a party to it.
Senator Fong. Under those circumstances, then , private organiza
tions, like the Lutheran Church for example, may be able to work out
someplan for the emigration of these people.
Mr. ANDERSON. We, ourselves, have not concentrated on emigration
programs as the possibilities have been so limited .
If emigration were to take place in sufficient numbers or through
mass movements, there must be some investigation of economic poten
tial of areas where these people can move; access to information
which will enable this potential to be analyzed by qualified experts;
housing and immediate employment upon arrival must also be con
sidered as well as funds to move them . I cannot visualize, as an
individual, having been involved in movement programs, that a
voluntary agency can effectively initiate this type of program on a
large scale.
Senator Fong. You feel this program is too big, too expensive, for
a private agency to undertake, is that right?
Mr. ANDERSON . Yes. I should also add that immigration laws are
involved as well. Possible areas into which these people can move,
I think, must be investigated and then negotiated. Agencies can
play a role once a program is established. But I do not think such
agencies have the ability to plan, develop and administer large pro
grams such as this on a nongovernmental level.
120 REFUGEE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG AND MACAO

Senator Fong. So to make a program like that effective, it would
have to be between governments ?
Mr. ANDERSON. Yes, this is definitely my opinion. An emigration
program , to beeffective, mustbe between governments.
Senator Fong. I agree with you there, because I think the program
once carried out would be a very, very big one, involving many, many
problems, and large sums of money . And it would be very difficult
for a privateagency to carry that out.
I have no further questions, Mr. Chairman .
Senator HART. This makes more important the point you were de
veloping about the difficulties of intergovernmental relations in con
nection with such a program , if, in fact, the crown colony is not a
willing partner to it.
Mr.Johnson .
Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. Chairman, I think it might be very appropriate,
in view of Senator Fong's exchange with Mr. Anderson, to insert in
the appendix of this record the Hong Kong government policy state
menton emigration from China, and offers of help from overseas.
I would like to call attention to two statements.
One is that the first way in which the outside world can help this
colony with its burdens is to
assure reasonable access to oversea markets for the limited range of goods we
can produce efficiently .
And the second statement is that :
Secondly, we have a limitless need for assistance in our construction program .
Senator Hart. The statement will be made a part of the record.
Mr. JOHNSON . Mr. Anderson, inasmuch as your work has been
predominantly in the field of immigration, and in view of the diffi
culties which have already commenced with respect to how an inter
national agency could function, do you think, for example, that the
Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration,or a similar
organization,might possibly be organized in this area such as has
been done in Europe ?
Mr. ANDERSON. Well, I think that we are going to be faced with
population pressures in that area of the world formany yearsto come,
and there is going to have to be some way of relating population to
resources . I have always felt that the Intergovernmental Committee
for European Migration has been aa highly effective unit for handling
population problems in Europe.
It would seem to me that the ideal would be for the Far Eastern
area of the world to have a similar unit. This would be the ideal.
Short of that, which would be difficult, if not impossible to initiate,
I think that presently, right now, that if ICEM were brought into the
picture, at least to facilitate movements, that this would be a very
constructive move, and certainly enable additional emigration out of
Hong Kong.
ICEM , in my opinion, is the only intergovernmental agency which
can handle this type program effectively at the present time and they
do an exceptional job. We regard very highly the work done by
ICEM.
Mr. JOHNSON. One other question presents itself in having migra
tion become a meaningful aspect of the program .
 REFUGEE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG AND MACAO 121

From the information we have received to date, a substantial num
ber of people who have emigrated from mainland China to Hong Kong
have become reasonably well established either in business or occupa
tion and have reasonably decent housing,but that probably somewhere
between 350,000 and half aa million are living in pretty miserable con
ditions with a very chancy situation in the matter of employment.
Obviously, these are the people most in need of emigration opportu
nity. And yet I would assume that other governments take an attitude
very similar to our own, and that is that they want people with special
skills — at least they would prefer this type.
Can you conceive of any way in which wecan bring assistance to this
particular group, which is most in need, and which is the least firmly
resettled of the people already in Hong Kong ?
Mr. ANDERSON. Well, as in all emigration programs, this is a major
problem — the countries of immigration desire certain types of people
whichare needed for their economy. The same people are also usually
needed in the country of emigration. Therefore,, I think this is some
thing which can only be negotiated. We use the term " seeding ??
which has been used in several different ways. What I mean isthat
if a group of people are moved from an overpopulated area and suc
cessfully resettled in a new locationthrough well-planned and admin
istered 'programs, additional people will follow at a later date in
significant numbers. I think it is in thissecond unplanned movement
that you reach the people who most need help.
Mr. Johnson. Time, then , in the sense, is the essence of this sort or
movement ?