CONFIDENTIAL
6.
- 2 ·
It is important that it becomes an offence to ferry refugees from a mother ship in Chinese waters (as well as on the high seas) since this would enable prosecutions to be brought against any organizer or agents resident in Hong Kong even if for political reasons it was not possible to seize the master and crew in Chinese waters.
7.
We realise that the Executive Council may feel that the publication of the bill should be deferred to avoid it being published only a week before the Geneva Conference. Alternatively they may advise that we should publish on the basis that the legislation will only be brought into effect subsequently by notice in the Gazette and after the Order has been made. It remains to be seen what course they propose.
8.
I should be grateful if you could let me have any comments, as soon as possible and preferably before the possible publication of the bill on the 12th July.
c.c. AG
CP
PA
D of I
D of M
Your wer Buir
(L. M. Davies) Secretary for Security
CONFIDENTIAL
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