TNAG-0664-FCO40-813-Immigration-from-China-to-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 127

CODE 18-77

SS 10/76

CONFIDENTIAL

Reference.

52)

Mr Dayid

4 Mr Miton Diun

18/8.

= M ~ Sher. A

%

3Ry

Enter

ORGANISERS OF "SNAKESHEADS"

1.

Please refer to Mr David's minute of 11 August on this subject, separate copies of which went to Mr Orr and I. I attach a minute by Ms Pares which puts this report in perspective. It appears clear that it is not the illegal immigrant who is likely to suffer severe penalties, nor possibly the organiser of escapes (see paragraph 11, sub-paragraph b of the OIR), but the person who makes a profession of it. I agree with Mr Milton that even that might not go down well with the British public, even if it could be explained as the execution of an exploiter of people. But this has always been a risk since we decided to introduce our present policy on illegal immigrants.

2. We will continue to watch out for such reports, as we do now, and bring them immediately to your attention.

jaye.

JE Hoare

Far Eastern Section Research Department

18 August 1977

cc: Mr Orr, FED

In David

Ta11/2 19/2

Thank

very

can be letting

you

see these papers;

nue

I find it

difficult to believe that this

eny

issue will raise any serious political interest

cul interest in Buituim

except penkeps for the lunatic Bringl. Jales

Daufg

8

CONFIDENTIAL