6. Although the long-term objective of unfettered ingress and egress must be kept in view, the provision of relief supplies in the Colony may be expected on first re-occupation to attract a very large influx of Chinese; and it will be necessary to do what is possible initially to restrict this influx to those who are needed for the
genuine restoration of trade and industry.
77.
At the earliest stage the land frontier will be picketed and passage allowed at only one point, where a staff will be required to examine the documentary evidence of genuine Hong Kong residence produced by each intending immigrant. As soon as river-boats start
running a similar investigation service will be needed at arrival wharves, and legal steps must be taken to force shipmasters to take rejects back to ports of origin. Later the examination of
credentials might, if practicable, take place at selected places in China (Canton, chow, Swatow etc.) All this is on the lines of the 1940 Immigration Control but would be less elaborate than that machine ry.
8. Passenger carrying junks and sampons would need particular
attention.
9. On first re-occupation a single form of registration of all existing inhabitants will almost certainly be necessary (if only for purposes of rationing etc.) and no immigration will be allowed until this is complete. The surviving population will probably not be very great and will be well accustomed to such regimentation. New entries
will of course have to be similarly registered.
10.
For this purpose a photograph is preferable to a finger-print. Free photography should be provided.
11. How long it will be before such registration can (if ever)
be abolished must depend on the labour situation, the recovery of local industries, the relief situation in Hong Kong and South China and many other factors, including questions of general security.