TNAG-0907-FCO40-1117-Immigration-from-China-to-Hong-Kong-1979 — Page 62

CONFIDENTIAL

HKK 34||l

RALEIVEL REGNITY NO. 51

INESE AMBASSADOR'S CALL ON MR CORTAZZI: TUESDAY

26 NOVEMBER

INDEX

DESK OFFICER

iPA

REGISTRY

2464A

Immigration into Hong Kong

10. Mr Cortazzi said that the Prime Minister had emphasised the importance we attach to this issue. We had been gratified by Premier Hua's indication of the Chinese Government's readiness

to take action. But the figures for legal and illegal immigration had cóntinued to be alarmingly high despite the bad weather, running at about 150,000 a year in round figures. We would be grateful if Ambassador Ke would report our continuing concern to Peking, and our hope that the measures promised by Premier Hua

would soon take effect. Ke undertook to do this. The Chinese

Government was determined to resolve this question.

1. Mr. Quote ! 1 $/12.

2. Mr Webs ff 5/02 3. PA.