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2.
they were doing all they could, and themselves argued for the implementation of the sort of measures which are planned, the Governor could then be authorised to go ahead very quickly. The Secretary of State could, if necessary, make clear in Parliament that he was satisfied, after discussion in Peking, that the only practical way to halt the flow was to eliminate the attraction which is at present offered by the "safe haven" for immigrants who "reach base".
4.
The issue on timing is well balanced. The Governor can ill-afford to see 8,000 illegals entering Hong Kong each month for much longer and is under growing pressure. The Chinese are probably doing all they can in the circumstances. But on balance Mr Blaker favours delay until after Lord Carrington's visit, with the proviso that the Governor should be given discretion to introduce the measures in the intervening period should there be a very sharp increase in the number of illegal immigrants flooding into Hong Kong.
5. Should the Secretary of State agree with the above approach, Mr Blaker suggests that we inform the Acting Governor (Sir Murray MacLehose is on leave in the UK at present) along the lines of the attached draft telegram.
29 July 1980
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Sir E Youde HKGD
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куманец
Miss K J Marles
Assistant Private Secretary to Mr Blaker
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