RESTRICTED
*
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION (Defensive)
.5.
New policy announced on 23 October to which I gave my agreement and which was discussed in advance with the Chinese,
tightens measures to return illegal immigrants to China. Necessary because of unacceptably high numbers of illegal
immigrants evading arrest (approximately 70,000 so far this year). Hong Kong has coped remarkably so far, but now real
threat to economic and social well-being of Territory.
Measures in line with public opinion in Hong Kong. They
were discussed in advance with Chinese who accept the need.
No question of returning refugees fleeing persecution.
Problem is caused by higher standard of living in Hong Kong.
Measures got off to a good start: number of illegals sharply
down.
6. No change in policy for the moment on legal immigration
from China.
LAKER (Defensive)
(The decision of the Hong Kong Air Licencing Authority not to licence Laker Airways).
7.
Not really for me.
Dealt with by Hong Kong authority
which is independent of government. They are required to limit
their consideration to economic and air traffic factors.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.