122

B

(37)

C

43

CONFIDENTIAL COVERING SECRET

ESSENTIAL FACTS

-A

1.

The reason for the decision by the Hong Kong immigration

authorities not to allow Ms Vertucci to stay in Hong Kong and

rejection of her appeal by the Governor in Council is not

connected with her activities on social issues in Hong Kong.

The Lord Privy Seal is aware of the background to this case.

2. Mr Parry will probably ask the Lord Privy Seal to

instruct the Hong Kong Government to give Ms Vertucci more

time in Hong Kong. It would not be appropriate, given the

facts of the case, for him to do so.

3.

XNA

In his letter to the Lord Privy Seal of 11 February,

Mr Parry asked that Ms Vertucci not be repatriated before

their meeting. A meeting on 18 February would accommodate this

since Ms Vertucci can stay in Hong Kong until 19 February.

The Hong Kong Government have told us in any case that Ms Vertucci

intends to leave voluntarily on 19 February. She has told the

press in Hong Kong that she will come direct to London to make

further representations.

4. Under Colonial Regulations any person in a Dependent

Territory has a right to petition The Queen, the Prime Minister

or the Secretary of State. 'Person in a Dependent Territory'

includes any person (including aliens) actually resident in a

Dependent Territory.

5.

A note on UK Immigration rules and procedure in cases

comparable to Ms Vertucci's is attached. UK procedures are

somewhat more flexible than Hong Kong's, particularly as regards

/providing

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