TNAG-0860-FCO40-1070-Legislation-for-merchant-shipping-in-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 30

G.S. 166

CONFIDENTIAL # #

機密

For discussion

on 9th January 1979

ANNEX C to XCC(79)105

XCC(79)7

Copy No ... Page 1

MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

of 80

MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979 SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979

IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1979

Background

At the meeting of the Executive Council on 2nd January Honourable Members were briefed by the Secretary for Security, Political Adviser and the Director of Immigration on mv HUEY FONG. In the course of this briefing it was explained that the vessel had been brought to anchor in international waters, the refugees had been provided with medical attention, food and water, but that the administration had not been able to convince the Master and the refugees that they should continue their voyage to Kaohsiung, Taiwan, the first port of call of the vessel.

2

Since this briefing, arrangements have continued to be made to provide medical facilities, food, water and warm clothing for the refugees. The vessel is still at anchor and a Reuters report from Taipei has stated that the Chairman of the Overseas Chinese Commission has said that the Taiwan authorities will not accept the 2, 700 refugees aboard the HUEY FONG. In these circumstances the chances of convincing the Master that his ship should leave international waters, and proceed on his voyage are very slender.

3

Should there be any substantial deterioration in the weather or illness or disorder on board, it will be necessary to consider moving the ship to a more sheltered anchorage. Such an anchorage can only be found within HK waters. Should this happen the vessel will then come within Hong Kong's jurisdiction.

4

If the administration is forced to climb down it will be essential, as a deterrent to discourage other ships participating in the carriage of refugees as passengers, to take further legal powers to act against the owners, masters and ships involved generally and also mv HUEY FONG in particular.

CONFIDENTIAL

機密

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