TNAG-0984-FCO40-1203-Immigration-from-China-to-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 54

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McCrory

News Department

HONG KONG: IMMIGRATION

3411

HKK 34) RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO.

23 OCT 1980

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

No

PA

IMS

28

'10

C

AUZE/LC

1. I understand the BBC have already broadeast the Hong Kong decision to repatriate all illegal immigrants from China.

2. We sent a telegram to Hong Kong last night concerning press enquiries on this, but since the telegram is not in this morning's distribution, I thought I had better let you have the salient points:

'For our defensive brief, we propose to include the following

questions and answers:

Question:

Answer:

Question:

Answer:

Question:

Answer:

What are HMG's views on reports that the Chinese are shooting to kill on their side of the border?

We have no confirmation of these reports. Reductions in the rate of illegal immigration certainly require effective measures on both sides of the border, but we would of course very much regret any loss of life.

How can HMG approve the repatriation of refugees from a totalitarian state?

They are not refugees fleeing from persecution. They are simply people attracted to a higher material standard of living.

But are they not severely punished by the Chinese authorities?

No so far as we are aware, but this is a matter for the Chinese authorities.

3.

There are three other questions which we anticipate might be asked. The first would be about the Small Boat Unit (SBU) and an anonymous allegation allegedly made by one of the members of this Police Unit that his colleagues are frequently drunk, alseep on duty, molest female illegals and corruptly allow some illegals to escape and reach the urban area. If this is mentioned, I suggest you say that we are aware of the allegations, that they are being investigated by the Hong Kong Government, but this is not easy since the allegations are anonymous.

4.

The second question would be along the lines of why have we only recently agreed to enlarge the Hong Kong garrison when we are now taking drastic measures to reduce the rate of illegal immigration. The answer is that, with or without these measures, Hong Kong needs the fifth battalion in order to enable the garrison to have adequate time for training, leave and its other tasks.

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