TNAG-0983-FCO40-1202-Immigration-from-China-to-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 117

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planned for late August/early September.

Mr Blaker accepts

that the Governor has a strong case, but would like to have

the Secretary of State's views on timing, in view of the

latter's forthcoming visit to China. The problem is mainly a

presentational one. Parliamentary interest here would prob-

ably initially be slight and there are arguments for getting

implementation over in the Parliamentary Recess. However, if

the more stringent measures in Hong Kong caused problems

(black market in identity cards, increase opportunities for

corruption etc.), Ministers could be open to criticism if

Lord Carrington had not taken the opportunity of his visit to

raise the matter with the Chinese. The alternative is there-

fore to ask the Governor to delay until after the visit. If,

as is likely, the Chinese told the Secretary of State that

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 inter-

vening period should there be a very sharp increase in the

number of illegal immigrants flooding into Hong Kong.

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15.

.