to lefdom
CONFIDENTIAL
the Hong Kong Government, of repatriating illegal immigrants from China was to "persuade the Chinese to limit legal immigration into Hong Kong". (ef. para. 7 of item 41/74 of Notes of GSC meeting on Friday, 15th November, 1974) However, despite our efforts, the Chinese authorities never officially agreed that reduction of legal immigrants from China should be a quid pro quo for repatriation of illegal immigrants from China. They maintained that legal and illegal immigration are two separate matters. It was evident from a discussion between the P.A. and the Director of Foreign Affairs Bureau,FoOn County on 12th November, 1974 that we did not tie the Chinese authorities into accepting any form of quota, though it was understood. that the Chinese authorities would consider reducing the number of legal immigrants from China. The term "Quota Entrant" as is used in Hong Kong now has no meaning in the eyes of Chinese authorities. "Quota Entrent" is strictly a Hong Kong Immigration term and, as is used at present, does not imply the existence of any form of quota arrangement.
Security Branch
Government Secretariat
18th May, 1978
CONFIDENTIAL
1