TNAG-0652-FCO40-801-Planning-Staff-papers-on-human-rights-and-foreign-policy-cou-1977 — Page 53

Right No.

CONFIDENTIAL

(vii) Emigration is permitted generally

only in cases where it serves the interests of the authorities. Exit permits are required, and sometimes withheld, for foreigners as well as Chinese.

CHINA

Rating suggested by Department

8

Note:

Discrimination according to social origin

Another feature of the Chinese system which may be relevant is discrimination according to social origin. The Constitution stipulates that landlords, rich peasants and "reactionary capitalists" are deprived of political rights for specified periods according to law. Official press commentaries have emphasised that the class status of accused persons should be taken into account in judicial proceedings.

CONFIDENTIAL