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The effect of this measure on the Colony depends, in our view, very largely on how it will be administered by the Immigration Officer. If it is administered sympathetically, and if the Immi- gration Officer succeeds in building up and maintaining a staff efficient in the discharge of their duties, untinged with corrup- tion, or with even a suspicion of corruption, then we feel that any inconvenience will be cheerfully borne. My colleagues and I intend to maintain a close interest in the operation of this measure, and we shall have no hesitation in making to Government any representa- tions which we may consider it our duty so to do.
Sir, had the circumstances been different, the Colony would now be in the midst of its preparations for celebrating its Centenary next year, and in the course of that celebration the interdependence of this Colony with China in general, and with the Province of Kwangtung in particular, would have received added emphasis.
To me,
at least, it is a matter of great sadness and profound regret that for the first time in its history, now approaching its Centenary, the Colony should find itself compelled to pass a measure which puts an end to the right of free and unrestricted movement between this Colony and China. But the terrible wars now raging on two Continents have brought about many unpheasant changes, and I feel and believe that Chinese in the Colony will accept this latest unpleasant change with their characteristic philosophic clam and understanding.
(Applause).
HON Dr. LI SHU-FAN. - Your Excellency, As the present Bill is of such momentous importance to the general welfare of the Colony, I feel it is my duty to make a few remarks.
I desire to say that I heartily endorse the views so lucidly set out by my senior Chinese colleague, who has dealt with the various aspects of the problem so ably, that I have little to add.
While I agree with the principle of the Bill, I share the Hon. Mr. Lo's view that the effect of the measure on the Colony largely depends on the administration and indeed the interpretation of the proposed Ordinance.
I should like to point out that the average Chinese generally looks at immigration measures, however mild, with askance. If this were not a wartime measure, it would have been viewed by the Chinese with the utmost concern.
While it is gratifying to note that Government undertakes to re-examine the problem when the situation permits, I fervently hope that when the semblance of normalcy should return, or if, and when the Ordinance su prove to be detrimental to the Colony, it would be amended or repealed without hestitation.
With these points in view, I feel that in the administration of the ordinance, the officials should be civil, sympathetic, tactful, and with despatch, in the execution of their duties.
I trust this statement will not be taken as casting any reflection on the present Immigration Officer, who, in my opinion, is highly qualified, and I venture to think that his appointment is a very happy choice.
Although this is an emergency measure, I feel it calls for tho- rough organization and accurate adjustment in accordance with cir- cumstances. For instance, it is to be expected that the depots and places of detention should be provided with reasonable amenities, and that the inmates, while they are rightly guarded from escape, they should not be considered, or treated as ordinary prisoners. The issuing of entry permits and Residence Certificate should not be so drastically restricted as to cause undue hardship, or to defeat the object of the present Bill, leading thereby to widespread bribery, or whole sale smuggling of immigrants into the Colony.