TNAG-0801-FCO40-1005-Immigration-from-China-to-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 60

CODE 18.77

Reference

NOTE FOR THE FILE

HKK 341/1

RECEIVED IN REGISTRÁ NO. 51 2 2 MAY 1973

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

No

PA

REGISTRY Action Teken

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

1. During my time with the police in the Frontier Division, I was given an opportunity to visit the Detention Centre where illegal immigrants are held before their repatriation to China, Ta Kwu Ling. The Cells are roomy and well ventilated, indeed better than the ones I saw at the police station. They are provided with fans for summer and heaters for winter. A doctor visits every day. The detainees, of whom there were half a dozen during my visit, are well fed, receiving exactly the same rations as their police guard. There is a senior immigration officer stationed at the centre to process them with the minimum possible delay, and I was impressed by the understanding way in which he dealt with the cases. All in all, I would agree with the opinion expressed by a senior police officer that, while the policy is unfortunate, it is essential and is carried out as humanely as possible.

унел

J Thompson

22 May 1978

Hong Kong & General Department

(52)

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