CONFIDENTIAL
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demonstrated the demand for Hong Kong products. He would be grateful if the FCO could look at the statistics. The Governor said that the FCO had already informed him that the UK did not intend to re-impose in 1979 the restrictions imposed by the EEC in 1977.
incream.
REINFORCEMENT OF GARRISON
5.
The Governor said that illegal immigration from China was still far too high. Arrests were running at 50-100 per day. The controls on the Chinese side were weak and there was a hint of low level connivance. The Governor recalled that when he had sought reinforcements in June the Chinese Government had taken steps to control emigration even before the reinforcements reached Hong Kong. The arrest rate had dropped from 500 per day to 7 or 3. But this improvement had not been maintained. It must be assumed that immigration was a long term problem. Hong Kong was at present preparing a case for permanent reinforcement of the garrison by one Battalion, preferably Gurkhas.
It was recognised that it would be physically impossible to seek the services of another British Battalion.
6. Mr Murray said that the HKG, the FCO and the MOD agreed on the need for a feasibility study and on its terms of reference. The study would assess the threat and the measures required to meet it. Officials would seek the agreement in London of Lord Carrington and Mr Pymn. He asked the Governor what would happen in the meantime when 42 Commando left. The Governor said that 42 Commando's departure would coincide with an increase in Gurkha "Bayonet" strength, equivalent in numbers to the Commando unit. This would mean that the Garrison would be able to cope, but unfortunately withdrawal of a UK unit would have the wrong public effect. The Governor said he would much prefer roulement to be maintained in November. But he recognised this was probably out of the question.
7.
Sir Jack Cater said that roulement would have to resume
in February. Raising an extra Battalion would take time. Mr Murray said that nobody in the FCO realised that further reinforcement would be needed in February. And the MOD thought that the return of RM 42 Commando was the end of the story. The Governor said that Hong Kong would inform FCO/MOD that the terms of reference for the study were satisfactory and ask what action would be taken in the interim before the study was completed and implemented.
CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE
8.
The Governor referred to the recent visit of the three Labour MPs who had discussed possible constitutional change. The MPs had proposed :-
(a) an increase in the number of Urban Council elected members, or a wholly elected Urban Council;
(b)
a partially elected Legislative Council;
.3.
CONFIDENTIAL
/(c)