INWARD TELEGRAM
his document must be paraphrased if the communication of its contents to any person outside Government Service is authorised.
TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES
Турех.
FROM HONG KONG (Sir A. Grantham)
D. 19th December, 1949. R. 19th
12.10 hrs.
No. 1354 Secret.
Addressed Repeated
to S. of S.
"Tamsui, Singapore saving.
Your telegram No. 1793.
Immigration Control and Refugees.
Need for control depends on circumstances
which vary from day to day and week to week. Our policy is to avoid controls as far as possible and consistent with security in order to preserve free port character of colony and permit maximum trade contacts. Am grateful for discretion you have already accorded to me in deciding when further control measures are necessary.
2.
Position at present is under control. Influx of recent months has been absorbed although congestion is admittedly heavy. There is however still some leeway. It is difficult to be tied down to an absolute figure.
3.
Bad
I would in any event consider control over immigration from Canton inopportune at this juncture. impression would be created if announcement of recognition of Peking Government and closure of the frontier synchronised. Closure of frontier might give the communists impression that we were nervous.
4.
It is difficult to forecast immigration
trends in coming months. Recognition would create better atmosphere for efflux. Conditions in Canton have deterred many from returning but if things settle down many should go back. Relaxation of Nationalist blockade would undoubtedly be strongest factor in starting outward movement.
5.
Large influx is most likely from Taiwan and Hainan, the remaining areas under Nationalist control, if conditions there suddenly deteriorated. Hence the necessity for the visa requirements now applied to those two places which can if necessary be intensified. No sudden influx is likely from any other areas. I will undertake to keep you fully advised if further control measures are
contemplated.