ch.
2
44
conditions in Kwangtung. It is equally certain that a large proportion of those who do effect entry by illegal means will be those whom we are most anxious to exclude, namely destitutes, sick and other undesirables, since these categories will have, at least, the tacit assistance of the Chinese authorities behind them.
6.
On the one hand, therefore, we have the problem of the undesirables on our borders who will go to almost any length to effect entry into the Colony; and on the other we have the undesirables who have benefited by exemption from immigration control during the past few months, and are already with us. These are two aspects of one and the same problem, for the persons whom it is now desired to remove under the Expulsion of Undesirables Ordinance are the very individuals who would never have been freely admitted if control of immigration from the mainland and from Macao had been imposed earlier.
7.
For the reasons given above, I am
of the opinion that the Expulsion of Undesirables Ordinance is an essential corollary to the new immigration control measures to which you have already agreed. Existing normal facilities for the administration of justice and for detention are hopelessly inadequate for the problem now before us, and I am satisfied that there is no practical alternative to the use of the powers contained in the Ordinance now under discussion at the earliest possible moment. The construction of a suitable detention camp is proceeding with all speed and the requisite administrative arrangements are being pressed forward. I shall, of course, await your concurrence before any action is taken, but I should be grateful if the matter could be considered in consultation with H.M. Charge d'Affaires in Peking without delay.
8.
A reply to the comments of your legal adviser will be sent in a separate communication.