CONFIDENTIAL
2
immigration. Mr Wang Kuang was very concerned about the problem and had asked to be briefed on the problem on his return from Guangzhou. The Hong Kong Government did very effective work in catching illegals. In the past there had been talk of four evaders to every person caught. He now thought that only two escaped for every person caught. The outflow was the result of great confusion in people's minds. There were also snakeheads in Hong Kong who encouraged illegals and passed back information on the best route to follow. Dr Wilson said that if NCNA could
provide information on any such people we would quickly follow it up and take appropriate action.
Legal Immigration
3.
Dr Wilson said that the number of legal immigrants had dropped slightly to about 200 a day. This showed some improvement but the numbers were still far too high. Mr Li said that he was certain that measures had been taken in China and that it was for this reason that there had been reductions since the beginning of May.
4.
Mr Tan mentioned that since 2 April Chinese travellers applying to the British Embassy in Peking had been told that provided they had an endorsement from a third country and an exit visa from China, they did not need a visa for Hong Kong. This was possibly the reason why a small number of people with Chinese passports had been allowed to travel on the through train without a visa for Hong Kong. Dr Wilson said that we would follow this up (action by APA).
Visit by Vice-Premier Geng Biao
5.
Dr Wilson said he understood that Vice-Premier Geng Biao would be returning via Hong Kong from his visit to Scandinavia. Mr Li said that he did not yet have definite information on the travel arrangements.
Dr Wilson said he hoped Mr Li would let us know if Vice- Premier Geng was to be in Hong Kong and whether any help would be needed to ensure that everything went smoothly.
On file to PAS(S)Ops
CC
S for S
D of Immigration DS B
Political Adviser's office, Hong Kong,
22 May, 1979.
Hong Kong & General Dept FCO
Far Eastern Dept FCO
Peking
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