TNAG-0374-FCO40-420-Discussions-with-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 76

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4.

What the Hong Kong Government now propose is

(1) a return of the checkpoint to the bridge

(this was agreed in principle last year);

(2) the introduction of a system of referred

visas for all categories of Chinese (ie no

longer reserving an automatic quota for Kwangtung

citizens), and

(3) onward travel documentation for Overseas

Chinese seeking to return eg to Indonesia. The

Hong Kong Government propose to discuss this with

NCNA and if necessary fall back on a second set of

proposals which would be almost as effective in

dealing with the problem.

5. The measures proposed by the Hong Kong Government seem

sensible. In the opinion of HM Embassy in Peking they should

present no difficulties as far as the Chinese are concerned,

provided that the situation is explained to them both in Hong

Kong and Peking. The practical problems of reimposing visa

control do not seem to be insuperable.

6. Mr Royle may like to tell the Governor of Hong Kong that

we recognise the magnitude of the problem, and support the

measures which the Hong Kong Government propose to take. As for

the tactics, we do not think it would be wise to give the Chinese

the impression that the Hong Kong Government's proposals are

matter for negotiation. We think we should simply explain the

problem in detail and tell them that we have reluctantly concluded

that more stringent controls are necessary. We also think it would

be worth hinting to the Chinese that they should take more

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CONFIDENTIAL

/strenuous