TNAG-0503-FCO40-568-Immigration-and-nationality-policy-of-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 38

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SCR 832/3481/72

PERSONAL

SECRET

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY No.51

26 FEB 1974

Colonial Secretariat, Lower Albert Road, HONG KONG,

нк

HKK $8/20

Dear Andrew

16th February 1974

The Governor wrote to Michael Wilford on

To me with rapers

Des 26/2

21st March last year, under this reference, agreeing to the suggestion that the number of applications for naturalisation granted should if possible show an annual reduction during the next few years. This would be effected mainly by observing slightly higher criteria in deciding whether or not to recommend naturalisation. The Governor also mentioned that we might arrange a degree of administrative delay but saw some disadvantage in adopting this course.

As it turned out, however, genuine administrative delays have resulted in a substantial reduction in the total number of applications granted this year, as the attached table shows. In 1971 and 1972, 783 and 704 applications respectively were finalised. (These figures are slightly higher than those given in the Governor's letter, which have turned out to be originally inaccurate.) In 1973 the total was only 322. Whereas we have been observing higher standards, as agreed, and the number of applications has fallen by about 7%, the bulk of the reduction has resulted indirectly from the decision early in 1973 to double the number of Auxiliary Police as part of the campaign against crime. Implementation proved highly successful, the strength of the Auxiliaries being increased by about three and a half thousand. But it also resulted in the Vetting Section of Special Branch being swamped for some months. Vetting of the Auxiliaries was given first priority: this not only affected the rate of recruitment to General service generally but also brought the vetting of naturalisation applications to a standstill. It was not possible to augment the staff of Special Branch quickly enough to cope with the sudden heavy demands placed upon them - the job is not one which can be learnt overnight and requiries carefully selected staff. In any event it would be uneconomic to staff the Vetting Section for these occasional peaks of activity.

As it happens we have since increased staff there to

a modest extent but if there are further major urgent recruitment campaigns the same delays might occur. Apart from the presentational aspect, I see no reason for dismay as far as naturalisation is concerned: processing takes nearly a year at the best of times.

A. C. Stuart, Esq, CPM,

Foreign and Commonwealth Office, LONDON S. W. 1.

-་་:་"

C.S. 143

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