CO129-604-6 Immigration- control over entry from China 1-1-1947 - 4-1-1950 — Page 79

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FOREIGN OFFICE, S.W.1.

30th November, 1949

Mydion Sickbotham,

Last week you kindly sent me a copy of telegram

(48) No. 1264 of the 24th November from Hong Kong about

visa requirements for Chinese entering Hong Kong from Formosa.

As you know, we fully understand the importance of avoiding an uncontrolled influx of Chinese into Hong Kong, and we have accordingly telegraphed to Biggs, our Consul at Tamsui, saying that in view of the implications to Hong Kong's security the operation of the visa procedure cannot be suspended.

I am bound to say, however, that the procedure seems to have been clumsily introduced, without adequate consideration for Chinese susceptibilities or for the practical difficulties involved for Biggs.

There is no good crying over spilt milk as far as the Chinese are concerned, but I earnestly hope that the Governor will not act so brusquely about entry from Macao, the subject of his telegram No.

We should be most reluctant to do anything, unless absolutely essential, to make more difficult our delicate relationship with

(47) 1250 of the 23rd November.

J. B. Sidebotham, Esq., C.M.G.,

Colonial Office.

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