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to remain in Hong Kong.
Contingency legislation has been drafted to
require the carriage of identity cards and make it illegal to employ
anyone without an identity card. . Proposals have been kept secret under
the code name 'Operation Champion'.
6. New measures could encourage a black market in identity cards and
increase corruption and exploitation of illegal immigrants. Further
strain would be placed on Police.. Parliamentary interest could be
further aroused.
Change of policy will be viewed less critically if
Secretary of State can say. that he has raised the problem with the Chinese,
proposing a new joint effort. Success is essential and depends on Chinese
cooperation.
At the very least, they are unlikely to object, although
Huang Hua at this stage may only be able to take note, in which case
follow up through HM Embassy in Peking will be necessary.
Timetable of Future Action
7.
The Governor has told the Chinese that he would like to meet the
Governor of Guangdong Province on 20 October (Mr Blaker has agreed to
this visit) to discuss immigration problems. Legislation would, subject
to this meeting and Ministerial approval, be introduced in Hong Kong on
23 or 24 October. The new measures would come into force 4 to 10 days
later.
(b) LEGAL IMMIGRATION
8.
Legal immigration from China is also a problem. Whereas only 25,000
entered Hong Kong in 1977, over. 70,000 came last year, and at current
levels some 53,000 are expected this year. This is far too high and we
would like to see the figures come down to traditional levels of about
20,000 per year. The Chinese should be able to do this since they
control the number who leave legally. Most who do so are given permits
to visit Hong Kong for long periods but very few return. When immigration
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