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102.
Coupled with the co-operation of the Chinese authorities,
the unrelenting effort of our security forces, and the strong support
of the public, these measures substantially reduced the flow. During
1980, over 80,000 illegal immigrants were arrested while trying to
enter Hong Kong. For the first 9 months of 1981 the number arrested.
was about 7,600. The daily average of arrests in September 1980 was
450. Last month it was less than 30 a day. In addition, 116 illegal
immigrants who evaded arrest on entry, were arrested subsequently and
repatriated to China.
103.
We can only hold this position by constant efforts by the
garrison and police. To deter the manufacturo, of forged documents.
the penalties for forgery offences have been increased. Measures have
also been taken to control and identify speed boats.o
104.
.
Illegal immigration has now been greatly reduced, but the
number of those who arrive here legally for a visit and stay:
permanently still adds 55,000, people to our population each year.
After the flood of the last few years we need a respite. It would be
helpful to reduce the numbers coming here for permanent settlement
while at the same time providing for genuine visitors whose return to
their homes in China was assured. But we can only act in co-operation
with the Chinese authorities for whom I know this is not an easy matter.
LAW, ORDER & SECURITY
105.
I now come to the inter-related subjects of Narcotics,
Corruption and Crime.
/NARCOTICS