10
Meanwhile illegal immigration from China has continued to
rise. The average daily number of arrests has been as follows:-
1980
Jan
122
June
266
Feb
156
July
278
March
151
Aug
408
April
191
Sept
445
May
262
Oct (1 - 8)
274 *
*(There was an unexplained drop for a few days at the beginning
of October but the daily figures have since risen again).
Arrests 1 January 30 September 1980 totalled 69, 000 as compared with 54,000 for the same period in 1979. It is estimated that so far this year 64, 000 have reached base and if the present rate continues the total for the whole year could be of the order of 100,000 (as compared with 110,000 in 1979).
Proposal
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Despite the continuing efforts of the Security Forces on both sides of the border, the sheer weight of numbers of would be immigrants makes it unlikely that the inflow can be reduced to an acceptable level on a lasting basis unless some new initiative is taken. It is therefore proposed that Operation CHAMPION should be implemented as soon as possible. To this end, the Bill at Annex A and the Resolution at Annex F would, subject to Members' advice, be introduced into the Legislative Council on 23 October 1980 and passed on that day. If Members so advise, the preparations for the Operation will be completed but Members will be finally consulted on 22 October as to whether or not the Operation should go ahead. Because of the need for strict secrecy, the Bill at Annex A would not be published in advance but all Unofficial Members would be briefed shortly beforehand,
12
Subject to the passage of the Bill on 23 October the following timetable will be followed:-
(22 October
23 October
Final approval by ExCo)
Introduction of Bill into Legislative Council and debate.
After enactment of Bill, public announcement of the end of the reached base policy and of
SECRET
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.