TNAG-0028-FCO40-64-Relations-with-China-1968 — Page 227

0003160 G.F. 316

(c)

SECRET

- 5 -

the failure to deport would be hailed by the

communists as a great defeat for the Hong Kong

Government;

(a)

the refusal by China to accept deportees would

be presented as further support from the main-

land for the Hong Kong communists.

Deductions

13

The balance of advantages suggests that there is much

to be gained from a successful deportati on but even more to be

lost from an unsuccessful one.

14.

It would seem, therefore, that from these factors alone,

some prior indication of the likely success of the deportation

attempt would be desirable, if the balance of advantage is to be

weighed in our favour.

Suitable Candidates

15.

The following factors are considerations in the

selection of candidates for deportation:

(a)

(b)

(c)

are they people whom China would particularly

like returned;

are they politically influential in Hong Kong

and would they again represent a security risk

to the Colony if they were to be released

locally;

under which Ordinance of Legislation are they

now held.

SECRET

6/.