TNAG-0734-FCO40-938-Reports-of-Standing-Committee-on-the-Planning-Progress-of-Ho-1978 — Page 88

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CODE 18. N

- 5-

Reference

c)

22.

Illegal Immigrants

Das

Both Anti-Slavery Society and the UN Association have recently expressed misgivings about the policy of repatriating illegal immigrants to China. We have emphasised that those concerned are not refugees but are simply looking for an improved standard of living. We are further having discussions with the Hong Kong Government on the possibility of a 'Prisoner's Friend' being present when illegal immigrants are interviewed. Hong Kong's preliminary view is that such a suggestion is impracticable. We

submit on this and I would suggest that we Hong Kong/Gulf Air Services accept Hong Kong & view.

are about

d)

23. Gulf Air want to fly to Hong Kong but the DOT, to protect BA's interest, have refused permission. At the same time, in an attempt not to provoke the Gulf Authorities, they have asked CPA to defer the introduction of their fourth service to the Gulf for which permission from the Gulf Authorities had been received.

24.

Mr Rogers of DOT has now reached agreement with the Gulf Authorities that a survey of traffic will be made and that future distribution of rights will be based on this survey. At the same time Mr Rogers has agreed that CPA will not introduce their fourth service. This will annoy Hong Kong but more significantly the agreement of few operations on the route seem likely to result in CPA having to give up some flights to benefit Gulf Air.

14 February 1978

J Thompson

Hong Kong and General Department K245

233-4377

Syeu

deuleput plan.