TNAG-0904-FCO40-1114-Immigration-from-China-to-Hong-Kong-1979 — Page 16

COEFIDENTIAI

Miss Johns, Defence Dept.

aloc

HONG KONG: VISIT BY RN TASK GROUP

1. we spoke.

الرحمان

HKK 341/1 HKK 062/1

62

HKK 341/1

Мо

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2. I should like to confirm that this department would seefgreat value in a visit to Hong Kong in the autumn by KN Task Group CTG 317.8, or some part of it. We would not insist on the full Group making the trip from singapore. And we do not think that visit to Hong Kong need necessarily be linked to proposals for China. There are good reasons for an early visit to Hong Kong itself. Not only is it some time since the last one but increased levels of immigration and the growing problem of refugees have greatly unsettled the local populace. The Governor believes, as do we, that it will considerably boost morale in the Colony.

3. I should be grateful if you would make our views known to the Ministry of Defence and press for such a visit to take place.

6 April 1979

N A Ling

Hong Kong and General Departmes K242

233 3988

CONFIDENTIAL