CONFIDENTIAL
two different kinds of travel permits to those coming
here:
(a)
single journey permits for those with good
reasons to stay permanently in Hong Kong;
and
(b)
a new double journey permit for those coming
on visits.
Without giving a precise figure they have said that only a "comparatively small" number of single journey permits
would be issued. They also said that Hong Kong should not restrict the holders of double journey permits, but could send back those who overstayed the limits specified in their permits.
13.
On 9 March the Political Adviser spoke to the NCNA making the following points:
(a)
The number of arrivals was still far too high.
Nearly all came on two-way travel documents.
Hardly any returned to China, despite our efforts
since 15 January to persuade them to do so.
(b)
Hong Kong did not wish to introduce restrictions
but they would become inevitable unless something
was done by the Chinese authorities within the
next two months.
(c)
(a)
We welcomed the Chinese proposal to issue single
journey permits on a very restricted basis.
Provided that this reduced the number for
permanent residence to about 50 a day, the need for restrictions by Hong Kong in respect of this category would not arise.
We were willing to consider a scheme of control using a limited quantity of guarantee of entry
CONFIDENTIAL
/contd......
4.