great deal will have happened by then not only in the
ar but in other parts of the world as well. It is
not possible to predict what the circumstances will be
so far in the future.
CHINESE ATTITUDE TO HONG KONG
17.
It is apparent that the Chinese Government do
not wish to disturb the present situation.
UTATE OF SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS OVER HONG KONG
18. Sino-British relations are good. There is practical co-operation in Hong Kong over a wide variety of fields. [If pressed] Her Majesty's Government see no reason why Hong Kong should become an issue
between ourselves and the Chinese Government.
OTHER MATTERS
THE POLICY OF RETURNING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO CHINA
19.
The position remains as indicated in the reply given by my right honourable Friend the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on
21 January 1975. [If pressed] Her Majesty's Government is satisfied that the policy of refusing entry to illegal immigrants from China is being carried out by the Hong Kong authorities in a humane manner.
REALONS FOR RETURNING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
20. This policy, which had been in abeyance since 1967, was reinstated in November 1974 because of the strain imposed on llong Kong's resources by the very large numbers of immigrants crossing from China into Hong Kong in recent years.
THE DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT
21. As my right hongurable Friend the Minister of
State for Defence informed the House on 19 December
1975, the agreement is in the interests of both Her Majesty's Government and the Hong Kong Government. For the United Kingdom it will provide a valuable
/contribution
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.