TNAG-0983-FCO40-1202-Immigration-from-China-to-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 67

CONFIDENTIAL COVERING SECRET

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8. Moreover, both Hong Kong and Peking now say that Operation

Champion should only be implemented as part of a joint Sino-British effort involving firm assurances from the Chinese that they would

do all that was necessary on their side of the border.

G

Hong Kong

have in fact already publicly anounced steps to extend the

mandatory carrying of identity cards, to cover the whole of the

New Territories and outlying islands, less New Kowloon, Tsuen Wan, Kwai Chung and Tsing Yi Island. This is clearly in response to the

already climbing daily rate of illegal immigrants which were

estimated at 831 on 8 September.

9. The change in timing should create no problems for us and would

give the provincial authorities in Guangdong a little more time

to make the necessary preparations on their side of the border.

Obtaining cast-iron assurances in Peking is another matter and it

would be worth clarifying with the Governor whether he still

intends to go ahead with Operation Champion should these not be

forthcoming.

C. Morrice

P Morrice

11 September 1980

Hong Kong and General Department

CC

FED

Mr Donald or

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