CONFIDENTIAL
BRIEF FOR THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT TO CHINA
Soviet Bloc Activities in Hong Kong
General Outline
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The only official Sovbloc representation in Hòng Kong is the Cuben Consulate-General which was established prior to the assumption of power in Cuba by Castro. It is staffed by the Cuban Consul-General alone and all applications to expand the Cuban element of his staff have been refused. Similarly other requests by Sovbloc countries for consulates, trade offices, airline offices etc. have all been resisted.
2.
The policy regarding visits by Sovbloc nationals is restrictive and they are only allowed entry into Hong Kong for the minimum period of time and in minimum numbers necessary to accomplish their mission.
3.
During 1978, 618 applications were received for visas from Sovbloc nationals, of which 172 were granted and 446 were refused.
4.
Sovbloc shipping transits Hong Kong either for working visits by cargo and passenger vessels or for ship repairs, and in 1978 a total of 271 Russian ships entered Hong Kong. This represented a 4% increase over 1977. 10 of these were cruise ships (compared to 12 in 1977). The total number of ships from the Soviet bloc in 1978 was 356 (a 5% increase over 1977). The cargo vessels are mainly Russian ships which ply regularly between Russia, Pacific ports, America, Asia and Australia. The passenger vessels are Russian cruise ships patronised mainly by Australian, Japanese and West German tour groups. Under International Maritime Conventions no restrictions may be placed on the crews of working vessels but the activities of these persons are monitored. The crews of vessels
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CONFIDENTIAL
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