TNAG-0982-FCO40-1201-Immigration-from-China-to-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 122

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To counter the massive influx of 1979, when altogether some 200,000 persons from China entered Hong Kong illegally (of whom 90,000 were arrested and an estimated 110,000 were evaders), the Government took a number of measures, including the full deployment and substantial reinforcement of the Garrison, redeployment and strengthening of the Police, the partial mobilisation of the Auxiliary Forces, the erection of a substantial, illuminated fence on the border, the enactment of new legislation which included more severe penalties for aiding and abetting, and representations to the Chinese authorities at various levels. There can be no doubt that these additional steps both deterred large numbers of immigrants from making the attempt and led to the arrest of many of those who nevertheless tried. Without these measures, the figures of 200,000 could have risen to frightening proportions, having regard to the vast number in Guangdong whose hopes remain pinned on settlement in Hong Kong.

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Nevertheless, despite all efforts, illegal immigrants continued to cross the border in large numbers, more than a half of them reaching base. In December 1979 alone, by which time counter measures on the Hong Kong side were nearing their highest level of effectiveness, the total number of illegal immigrants (i.e. those arrested as well as successful evaders) was estimated to be 26, 000. This figure was probably inflated by fears of more severe punishments to be imposed by the Chinese authorities from January 1980. However hopes that new measures would result in continuing lower figures have diminished: it is true that the Chinese have increased their efforts to intercept emigrants and stiffened their legal code but the high figures for arrests in January (3,784), February (4,537), March (4, 694), and April (5, 716),a time of year when traditionally illegal immigration has been low because of the weather, inspire little confidence in their ability to maintain effective control of illegal cross-border movement permanently.

SECRET