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had been a decrease in the number of illegal immigrants allowed to stay in Hong Kong, which had to be viewed in the context of the burdens imposed on the Colony by a rapidly growing population. He said that the influx of illegal immigrants was now past its peak, but there were still great difficulties in absorbing them in the Colony, and that there were signs that the resident Chinese population were starting to resent the continuing influx.
5.
Lord Goronwy-Roberts stated that the present Governor was very humane and he was sure that every case was individually investigated and assessed. He felt that, whatever the length of the interrogation interview, there might be a need for a legal "friend" and he was going to discuss this with the Governor when they next met.
6.
Lord Goronwy-Roberts pointed out that he kept in close contact with the situation via both Hong Kong and the Ambassador in Peking. He believed that the illegal immigrants who were returned were no more harshly treated whether they were "politicos" or "economic adventurists" although they might become objects of public scorn or ostracism, with further punishment taking the form of (sometimes hard) labour. However, he argued that some would inevitably be criminals and that their subsequent treatment was not a matter for the UK. Lord Goronwy-Roberts said that he knew of nobody whose life had been jeopardised on returning to China because of their political beliefs but he promised to check this.
7. Lord Goronwy-Roberts then continued with an assessment of current UK/Chinese relations, at Mr Roper's request. He stated that the changeover from the old regime to the new had been smooth with the new Chinese Government being remarkably effective. He thought that they were slightly more liberal and therefore would be slightly more open to influence. He cited the example of 2 major industrial delegations which had recently visited China, as well as the visit of Li Chiang, the Chinese Minister for Trade, to the UK, who was apparently pleased with his reception. Lord Goronwy-Roberts believed that, as long as there was no pressure to which the Chinese would have to react, relations would steadily improve, but he stressed that the current policy on illegal immigration would not be sacrificed to this end.
8. Mr Roper emphasised that it was preferable to talk about this delicate problem privately with the Minister, but he was concerned that, as the administering power, the UK had respons- ibilities which she had to fulfill. He said that it was also important that such bodies as the Anti-Slavery Society were able to make representations to the Government.
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