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on entry to remain in Hong Kong. Contingency legislation has been
drafted to require the carriage of identity cards and make it illegal
to employ anyone without an identity card. Proposals have been
kept secret under the code name 'Operation Champion'
6. New measures could encourage a black market in identity cards
and increase corruption and exploitation of illegal immigrants.
Further strain would be placed on Police. Parliamentary interest
could be further aroused. Change of policy will be viewed less
critically if the Secretary of State can say that he has raised the
problem with the Chinese, proposing a new joint effort.
Success
is essential and depends on Chinese cooperation.
7. The Chinese themselves may suggest such a change of policy.
They have done so before. They are unlikely in any case to object.
Timetable of Future Action
8. Unless the Chinese response is completely discouraging, the
Governor suggests following timetable for introduction of the
new measures.
On about 6 October, he would ask to meet the Governor
of Guangdong Province on about 20 October (Mr Blaker has agreed to
this visit) to discuss cooperation by both sides.
Legislation would,
subject to this meeting and Ministerial approval, be introduced on
23 or 24 October. The new measures would come into force 4 to 10 days
later, taking account of possible embarrassment from coincidence with
resumption of Parliament on 27 October (Ministers will wish to
consider the exact timing).
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.