TNAG-0972-FCO40-1191-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 67

Original at: HKK 34111

This Copy for:

Information only / Action on Para(s)

PS/Mr Blaker

CONFIDENTIAL

Jo

COVERING SECRET

HICK 24314

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51 17 JUN 1980

DESK OFFICER INDEX

PA

REGISTRY Action Taker

ivico 1:7 CHINESE AMBASSADOR'S CALL ON MR BLAKER: 11145 AM ON 17 JUNE

Illegal Immigration

AW 21

1. Since my submission of 4 June below there has been a further

increase in the number of illegals arriving in Hong Kong. The

average returned per day during the first 15 days of June was 262.

The Political Adviser in Hong Kong raised this with Mr Li Jusheng,

the second Director of the New China News Agency, on 10 June.

He said that he was concerned to note that the numbers were

rising steadily. He had spoken recently on the matter both in

Peking and Guangzhou and knew that the Chinese were making

considerable efforts to deal with the problem. Nevertheless,

the trend was worrying. Mr Li agreed that the trend was

unfortunate. The numbers were a considerable burden for Hong

Kong. China had no wish to see this. They were doing what they

could, but more work was needed.

2. The above does not necessitate any alteration to the speaking

note but underlines the desirability in speaking to the Ambassador

of combining appreciation of the efforts which they have made with

concern at the increasing numbers.

Vietnamese Refugees from China

(53)

Hong Kong telegram No 770 recommends that Mr Blaker raise this

question with the Chinese Ambassador.

I recommend that this be

done and attach a speaking note and the essential facts. FED concur.

H

3.

16 June 1980

cc Mr Donald

Mr McLaren FED

R D Clift

Hong Kong and General Department

CONFIDENTIAL COVERING SECRET

Sh

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