CO537-6048 — Page 42

Pol.18410/49. 54145/13.

C

SAVING.

From the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

To the Officer Administering the Government of Hong Kong.

Dated 24th November, 1949.

No.192 Saving. SECRET.

(9)___

(6)

-- Your telegram No.644 and secret savingram ho.118.

Entry of Indians and Pakistanis into Hong Kong.

-(12)

We have considered a number of points raised by the Commonwealth Relations Office about the grant of increased facilities for the entry of Indians and Pakistanis into Hong Kong and agreed that it would be better if there were definite agreements with the Government of India and Pakistan in which the latter bind themselves to screen Communists effectively. It appears that in fact no approach has yet been made to the Government of India on the lines suggested in the United Kingdom High Comissioner for India's telegram No.Al16 (repeated to you as my telegram No.758). No formal approach was made to the Pakistan Government in view of your savingram under reference.

2. While the Governments of India and Pakistan no doubt recognise that it is generally in their interests to prevent Communists going to Hong Kong, it is considered that there might be cases where, in the absence of definite undertakings as regards screening, these Governments would be tempted to let through particular individuals of whom they wish to be rid. There is a further point that application by overseas Indians or Pakistanis to go to Hong Kong ought to be referred to New Delhi or arachi for security checking but unless there are definite agreements that this should be done it is hardly possible to issue the necessary instructions to Foreign Office posts.

3. I should therefore be glad to learn by telegram whether you agree that the High Comissioners should be instructed to enter into agreements with the Governments of India and Pakistan accordingly. In reply to a letter from the High Commissioner for India in London it

/has been