TNAG-0516-FCO40-581-Representations-on-refusal-of-entry-of-British-subjects-to-H-1974 — Page 21

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no idea that I was to be denied entry into the Colony until my carrier's agent, who had been summoned into discussion by the Immigration officials, confidentially informed me that he was being pressed to arrange passage for me to return to the UK that same evening. (In fact, the aircraft on which I arrived, a Dan Air flight sub-chartered to British Caledonia, was due to depart for the UK at 2030 hrs.) I immediately sought an audience with a senior Immigration officer, and requested to be told the reason for my imminent expulsion. It was eventually explained that the authorities had determined that I, being in possession of no manifest means of return to the UK, had insufficient visible funds (£206) to both support me in the Colony and ensure my ability to remove myself therefrom. I replied, of course, that first I had no means of knowing that this prerequisite was required of me, and secondly, that it was of no consequence as I had deliberately maintained a fund in London which could adequately guarantee my return to the UK if necessary, and that there should therefore be no obstacle to my entry. The officer agreed that if I could substantiate this claim, by providing documentary, evidence of the existence of my UK fund, permission for me to enter would automatically follow. I was unable to provide such evidence I have never thought to carry my bank statements when travelling

so I suggested as an acceptable alternative (this point is, I think, of cardinal importance as it evinces a willingness, on my part at least, to be co-operative and to meet their rather peremptory demands) that I should be permitted to cable my bank in London and give instructions for either the money, or proof of its existence to be cabled directly back to Hong Kong. I further suggested that if they were concerned about the time involved in a

telex transaction minimal though it would be I should be allowed

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to make an international telephone call to my bank (for which I would pay) so that oral verification at least of my financial

status could be obtained. These suggestions were, without explanation rejected. I then asked for the facility to register a formal complaint. This request was similarly dismissed. The decision to expel me was eventually confirmed by the Chief Immigration Officer, with whom I had a short interview, and after thirteen