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4.
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Mr Blaker said the immigration into Hong Kong was causing us some concern. Hong Kong was a very small place, and already had a population of over 5 million. It could not take in any more without endangering its economic prosperity. noted that Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Wenjin had discussed this question with our Ambassador in Peking on 31 May. Mr Blaker said he welcomed what Vice Foreign Minister Zhang had said. It was good that the number of legal immigrants from China had dropped. He hoped it would drop further. However the number of illegals was rising. An average of 800 per day over the last few days had been arrested, and many more had escaped detection. He hoped the Chinese could do something to reduce illegal immigration. The future prosperity of Hong Kong was a mutual interest. Mr Ke said that although he was aware of the problem, he had no information on the Ambassador's talks with the Vice Foreign Minister. He would make inquiries on his return to China.
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5. Mr Blaker then raised the problem of the Vietnamese boat people. He noted that the Lord Privy Seal had already discussed this with Mr Ke, referring to press reports that the Chinese authorities were refusing to allow the 40 refugees on board "Norse Viking" currently in Whampoa to land. Our understanding of the relevant international conventions was that the scheduled first port of call should accept refugees picked up at sea. In this case the Captain had been told by the Guangdong authorities that they could not accept the refugees. Could Mr Ke urge his Government to review the position. Mr Ke said that he had reported the Lord Privy Seal's remarks but had had no reply. The problem was also causing his Government difficulties. Over 200,000 refugees had already been driven into China. He said he would report again and would inform us of the reply. Mr Murray said that the Lord Privy Seal's remarks had been based on a press report. It had now been confirmed that the authorities had not accepted the refugees from "Norse Viking". Mr Ke said that, speaking personally, he felt it would be difficult for the Chinese to accept more refugees after having already taken in over 200,000. Mr Blaker said that a principle was at stake. It was to everyone's advantage that it be observed. Mr Ke said he would send another report to his Government.
6. Mr Ke noted that the Duke of Kent was to visit China from 4-12 June. He asked if the Chinese could also invite Princess Margaret to visit China Later this year, and perhaps even the Queen at some future date. Mr Blaker asked if Mr Ke had approached Princess Margaret about this. Mr Ke said he was not sure about the proper procedure in such matters. Mr Murray
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