TNAG-0982-FCO40-1201-Immigration-from-China-to-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 13

thin end of the wedge of a Police state.

Some people are likely to object if their own close relatives or fellow employees suffer as a result of these measures. Nevertheless, the current policy based on allowing evaders to remain here is not generally understood and measures to catch and repatriate them would be favourably received. But it would be imperative to demonstrate success. Otherwise people could be expected to object strongly to the vigorous measures imposed.

47

present time.

The public is generally in support of tough measures at the

Publicity

48

Publicity will require very careful handling, particularly as it will need to be aimed at more than one audience, i.e. the local community, the Chinese authorities and overseas countries. Attention would be drawn to the fact that the Chinese authorities had been consulted, A small Working Group comprising representatives of the Secretary for Security, Secretary for Information, Director of Information Services and operational Departments involved will be set up to handle publicity. Particular care will be needed over the first announcement and its application, which will require urgent action by those affected (see paragraph 50).

Timing and Implementation

49

It is proposed that, assuming Members advise that these proposals are acceptable, plans to implement them should proceed as quickly as possible on the understanding that, if before implementa- tion begins the illegal immigration figures fall and remain low, they should be suspended.

50

The operational deployment of the Security Forces would need to take account of these proposals. It would be necessary to ensure that the Forces on the border and on the perimeter were maintained at maximum effectiveness from the time the public announcement was made and for a period thereafter. It might be necessary to call out the Volunteers and Auxiliary Police and possibly deploy other troops not normally engaged on border operations. Readiness to move into a state of maximum effectiveness at short notice in the weeks preceding the announcement would also be essential, in case there was a leak.

SECRET