OUTWARD TELEGRAM
Oft.on 54389/PQ1/48
Code
:
TO HONG KONG (Sir A. Grantham)
FROM S. OF S., COLONIES
Sent 26th November, 1948. 11.45 hrs.
50
No.
1222 Restricted
Following is extract from Parliamentary Official
Report for 24th November, 1948. Begins.
Mr. Fitzroy Maclean asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken to prevent the use of Hong Kong by Chinese Communists as a safe base for their activities against the Chinese Government.
The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Creech Jones): The activities of the Chinese Communists in Hong Kong are closely watched and deportation proceedings are in train in several cases where it has been found that Communists were attempting to use Hong Kong as a base for activities against the Chinese Government,
Sir R. Ross: What steps are taken by the Government of Hong Kong to check the entry of people from the mainland of China into Hong Kong?
Mr. Creech Jones: That is another question, and a very difficult one. If the hon. Member will put it down, I shall be very glad to answer it.
Mr. John Paton: Will my right hon. Friend see that the greatest care is exercised not to restrict the right of. asylum for Chinese liberals and democrats as well as Communists so long as they conform to the law of the Colony?
Mr. Creech Jones indicated assent.
Mr. Gammans: In view of the fact that the Government were obviously caught napping over a similar situation in Malaya, can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that they will not be caught napping in Hong Kong?
Nr. Creech Jones: I do not at all accept the insinuation that the Government were caught napping. I would most completely repudiate the anggestion. So far as Hong Kong
is concerned, the problem is very much before us, and I do. not wish to add to the difficulties by making a statement now. Ends.
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