* $
We have always believed that the "first port of call" principle was the only rational and humane way. for dealing with the problem of shipwreck survivors. So far as the Huey Fong itself is concerned, the Master was told, when he was over a thousand miles distant from Hong Kong, that he would not be permitted to enter Hong Kong or land refugees here since Kaohsiung in Taiwan was his declared first port of call. He chose to ignore that instruction and came on to Hong Kong although other parts were nearer if he required medical assistance and his original destination, Kaohsiung, was not significantly further away. At this stage one can only speculate about his motives. We can be sure, however, that, if we were now to abandon the first port of call policy, the inevitable consequence would be that Hong Kong would become the destination of all those who claim they have picked up survivors of shipwrecks in the South China Sea. Such a situation would place an intolerable burden on our resources and make it impossible for us to carry on with our previous generous policy.
Finally, I must share with you my concern that we appear no longer to be facing the problem of genuine survivors of shipwreck, but rather an organised racket for transhipping large numbers of illegal immigrants. This is going to pose very serious problems for us. I fear that we will have to devise new means for dealing with those who try to profit from this unscrupulous trade.
ber: H E Sir James Murray KCMG
UKMIS, Gen eva
RJT Mclaren Esq HK&GD, FCO