CONFIDENTIAL
2
3.
Mr Tan explained that these workers fitted into important plans for studying the construction industry in Hong Kong. There were only 50 involved. He strongly urged Dr Wilson to reconsider, emphasising the difficulty of suspending applications which had already been made. Dr Wilson said that there could be no question of 50 coming. If the Chinese side would be willing to look at this again, he could also do so but only if the numbers were reduced to, at most, 20 or 25 and if full details were provided of the technical qualifications of the people concerned and the precise jobs they were to have. Meanwhile, action on the visa applications would be suspended.
Immigration from China
4.
Dr Wilson asked whether Mr Tan could comment on the accuracy of a report in the Ming Bao of 27 May on new measures to restrict the issue of exit permits to people coming to Hong Kong. Mr Tan said he could not confirm the details of the story. He had heard nothing on the subject from China.
Dr Wilson said it would be extremely useful to know of any specific measures which had been taken in China and when they were introduced. This would help us in deciding how to tackle the problem.
ce
DP W
D of I
D S B
Subject files (2)
Hong Kong & General Dept FCO Far Eastern Department TCO Chancery Toking
Political Adviser's Office, 29 May, 1979.
CONFIDENTIAL
བ་;...,'.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.