12
IL
campaign (Annex B). But we will gradually extend the
message in order to prepare the public psychologically
for the phased programme. In this way, we hope to
avoid the risk of panic in mid-1993, when we aim to
announce the programme. The details are still under
discussion : our current thinking is at Annex E.
China angle
23.
The proposals will not surprise the Chinese.
When negotiating the British memorandum, we arqued
strongly for a grace period after 1 July 1997 in which
we could clear the backlog of applications received
before 30 June. The Chinese rejected this. Our
eventual acquiescence was on the basis that we would
have to impose cut-off dates before 30 June 1997 in
order to process applications by that date. In order to avoid unnecessary Chinese suspicion, we will explain our plans and the background to them before there is
any publicity.
ATTENDANCE
Mr IAN STRACHAN
Mr M.Y. LEUNG
SCR 4/2091/84 Pt 32
27 May 1992
Deputy Secretary for Security
Director of Immigration
COUNCIL CHAMBERS