CONFIDENTIAL
W
LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS'S VISIT TO HONG KONG: 11-17 JANUARY
BRIEF NO. 13: CHINESE IMMIGRATION
1.
Immigration from China into Hong Kong has increased considerably in recent years. Estimated figures for both legal and illegal immigration were 74,000 in 1973, compared with 37,000 in 1972 and less than 13,500 in 1971. The Chinese Government have since reduced the number of legal immigrants (i.e. those with exit permits issued by the Chinese authorities) from a daily average of some 240 in September 1973 to some 90 at present, but we should like to see
the number further reduced.
2.
The highest number of legal immigrants that the Hong Kong Government could reasonably deal with is 50 a day. HMG's wishes have been made known to the Chinese Government, and we are grateful for the
steps the latter have taken. This is a problem which has to be solved by cooperation and understanding. The Chinese Government understands our predicament and we understand the difficulties they
face.
3. A confidential agreement recently concluded between Hong Kong and the local Chinese authorities to return to China illegal immigrants (i.e. those who e cape without any documents) was put into effect on 30 November. These arrangements have so far worked smoothly and press publicity has been generally favourable.
4.
Illegal immigrants were returned to China before 1968 but because of Chinese refusal to cooperate during the Cultural Revolution, the system fell into abeyance. It has now been reactivated because of
the intolerable strains being placed on the resources of Hong Kong by the greatly increased number of legal and illegal immigrants. Before a decision on the return of any illegal immigrant is reached in Hong Kong, each case is carefully examined on an individual basis. Genuine political refugees, those wanted by the Chinese for criminal offences, cases of genuine hardship, those not apprehended on first
entry who reach the urban areas and other special cases are not to be included in the arrangements. This has not been spelled out to
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