F
Flag Ans
telegram No. 581. These are dealt with in Hong Kong telegram Flag, 24 No. 563, in paragraph 5(a) of this submission and in paragraph
9 of the memorandum at Annex 1. Canberra have commented
Canberra telegram No. 686) that the intention to exempt U.K. "belongers" from the controls discriminates between them and Australians and is likely to cause indignation in Australia. However, in view of the attitude of the Australian authorities towards the immigration of Hong Kong Chinese into Australia (see paragraph 7 above) it is not considered that this argument holds water. It is not considered that any of these points are such as need delay the introduction of the scheme and it is accordingly proposed to clear the attached draft circular saving telegram with Hong Kong and thereafter, when the date of implementing the scheme has been decided, to issue it to all British Missions in Foreign and Commonwealth countries and to the Governors and Administrators of dependent territories.
Conclusions
14.
The Governor's scheme, which follows closely the United Kingdom scheme, should be accepted on the following grounds:-
(a) Hong Kong's problem of population.
(b) The rapid growth of certain sections of the non-
Chinese community (e.g. Indians and Pakistanis) could pose a racial problem and lead to resentment on the part of the Chinese population.
(c) The economy cannot cater for increasing numbers of
unskilled persons.
(a) The Governor's unofficial advisers consider that the uncontrolled entry of Commonwealth citizens should not be allowed to continue in view of the lack of reciprocal treatment for Hong Kong citizens in other Commonwealth countries.
6.5. Carter
Hong Kong Dept.
21 July, 1969.
(W. S. Carter)
Copies sent to Departments named in paragraph 3.