TNAG-0904-FCO40-1114-Immigration-from-China-to-Hong-Kong-1979 — Page 76

3.

(contd)

CONFIDENTIAL

2

vere concerned, there might sometimes be difficulty for the Chinese authorities in discovering whether the applicant was giving an entirely accurate account of the need for him to stay in Hong Kong: for instance, someone might say that he was the only member of the family who could look after an aged parent in Hong Kong but investigations might show that another relative already in Hong Kong was caring for the parent. I was sure that Immigration Department would be happy to assist the Chinese officials in confirming the accuracy of any claims to come to Hong Kong insofar as it concerned relatives in Hong Kong.

4.

In response to a question, Mr Tan confirmed that no date had been set for implementing this new procedure: the Chinese authorities wished first to know the views of Hong Kong. I said that everything possible would be done to give a quick reply. I added, however, that the issue raised by this proposal might well have to be considered by the Executive Council and that I was sure a number of its Members would be reluctant to see a new scheme for travel from China to Hong Kong introduced while numbers were running at the present extremely high levels. They might well fear that, even if the intention was to be restrictive, in practice it would regularise the flow of new arrivals at far too high a level. It would be far easier to consider this proposal against the background of sharply reduced numbers. If, as Mr Tan had said, the intention was to restrict numbers coming partly by refusing to issue exit permits where there was any suspicion that the applicant would not return after a short visit (and had no grounds for stay permanently in Hong Kong), surely it would be possible for temporary measures to be taken to limit the number of permits issued? Those who had less than urgent reasons for visiting relatives here could be told that they should wait for a few months. Hong Kong certainly needed a "breathing space" during which any new procedures could be discussed.

5.

Although it was not raised directly, two remarks made me believe that part of the proposal would be that prople coming permanently to Hong Kong should be landed permanently rather than with the limitation of stay now imposed on them. Mr Tan referred to the new landing procedures introduced in January and said there had been a lot of complaints "from people who wished to stay in Hong Kong or to visit". When he later referred to the vish that Hong Kong should not impose restrictions on visitors coming here under the new double journey permit, Mr Li appeared to wish to correct Mr Tan but was not allowed to do so. I suspect that this proposal has been made in

CONFIDENTIAL

-/2.