TNAG-0905-FCO40-1115-Immigration-from-China-to-Hong-Kong-1979 — Page 98

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D/DS6/46/66/1

INC

HKK 341/1

20

REGISTRY NO. 51

1 1 JUN1979

OFFICER

PA

по

224.1

REGISTRY Action Taken

Now overtaken

for

116

Defence Press Office (Mr Brown)

Copy to:

AUS(GS)

67vi

Du Quaybrin

7/6

FCO - Hong Kong Department

HONG KONG ILLEGAL-IMMIGRATION

PRESS QUERY

You sought advice on an enquiry from the London office of the Hong Kong Standard. They had asked for comments on a report (source unknown) that the Hong Kong Government had asked for reinforcements of 3 battalions.

2.

I have discussed this with the FCO and we are agreed that you should take the following line:

3.

"The influx of Vietnamese refugees combined with the high-level of illegal immigration into Hong Kong is causing serious concern to both the Hong Kong Government and the HMG. In consultation with the Hong Kong Government, consideration is being given in London to various ways

in which help could be given. We cannot comment at present on any specific measures."

You should inform the FCO News Department when you are taking this line.

6th June 1979

BH COUSINS Head of DS 6