Mr Center
Sir Leslie Monson 23.7
Commonwealth Immigration into Hong Kong
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14/2/1
शीह
Problem
The Governor of Hong Kong has informed us that on the advice of his Executive Council he has decided to institute in the very near future a general scheme of control over the entry into the Colony of persons from all Commonwealth countries and dependent territories (other than United Kingdom and Hong Kong "belongers" and citizens of the Irish Republic who also hold British passports). Although immigration control is regarded primarily as a matter of internal administration within the Governor's discretion and he has not specifically sought approval before taking the decision, it is nevertheless a matter which can have a bearing on the Colony's external relations and his scheme therefore requires to be examined here, particularly since it will involve action on the part of British Missions in
Commonwealth territories.
Recommendation
2. I recommend that the Governor's proposed scheme, as set out in the attached Hong Kong Executive Council memorandum, should be accepted (subject to the two amendments referred to in paragraph 5 below) and that posts abroad and dependent territories should be informed of the intention to introduce the scheme in terms of the attached draft circular saving telegram, after clearance of the draft with Hong Kong.
3. The terms of this submission have been agreed with:
Commonwealth Co-ordination Department
Consular Department
Establishment and Organisation (Man Power) Department Far Eastern Department
Migration and Visa Department
Nationality and Treaty Department
Personnel Department
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