HKR 341
341/1
RECEIVED IN PASTRY NO. 51
10 FEB 1981
DESK OFFICER
REGISTRY
PA
Action Taken
No
MS
10
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HKK 341/1
fans 10/2
9 February 1981
23
In my letter of 8 January I undertook to write again after I had consulted the Hong Kong Government about the points raised in your letter of 5 January.
The China Post article is misleading on several counts. The people entering Hong Kong illegally from China are not refugees fleeing from social, political or religious persecution. They are predominantly farmers attracted by the prospect of a higher standard of living in Hong Kong, and are thus nor more than illegal immigrants.
In the past, Hong Kong was able to absorb the small numbers of such people who entered the territory. In recent years, however, the large influx of illegal immigrants has created immense social and economic problems for Hong Kong (already one of the world's most densely populated places). It was therefore necessary to tighten up controls on the border and repatriate illegal entrants to China.
The article states that these people are maltreated on their return to China. We have seen no evidence to support this, especially the claim that some are sentenced to death. Indeed, the fact that many make repeated attempts to enter Hong Kong suggests that the opposite is true. The claim that illegal immigrants are maltreated by the security forces in Hong Kong is totally without foundation. Force is only used in the most extreme circumstances, and more specifically, the security forces do not possess anything resembling the electric club mentioned in the article.
You also asked whether it is correct to call the Gurkhas mercenaries. Their service in the British army arises from an agreement with the Government of Nepal, whose King is an Honorary Field Marshall. The Gurkhas have served the British Crown since 1816 and fought with distinction in two world wars. Therefore they can hardly be described as 'mercenaries' which is, as you know, a derogatory term referring to soldiers hired for gain.
7.
M A Searle
Hong Kong & General Department