TNAG-1030-FCO40-1280-Proposed-visit-by-Humphrey-Atkins--Lord-Privy-Seal--to-Hong--1981 — Page 123

CONFIDENTIAL

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IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA

5. In 1979 and 1980 massive influx of illegal immigrants from

China put severe strain on Hong Kong's resources. Used to be policy

to repatriate only those caught on entering Hong Kong. In

October 1980 decided to repatriate as well those who had evaded

capture on entry. Policy has worked well though recent problems

over pregnant women and smuggled children. Army, Police and

Immigration in Hong Kong deserve congratulating on magnificent job.

6. Legal immigration also problem. 150 a day enter Hong Kong

ostensibly for visits but in fact for settlement.

Proposals recently

Chinese

put to Chinese for only half of them to be for settlement.

reaction awaited. Depending on what is said in Peking, the Lord

Privy Seal may wish to tell UMELCO about Chinese views.

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

7.

Capital punishment is penalty for murder under Hong Kong law.

last execution was in 1966. In 1973 then Secretary of State,

Sir Alec Douglas-Home, intervened to prevent an execution in

Hong Kong. Since then Governor has always commuted sentences,

usually to life imprisonment. Initially UMELCO and Hong Kong

public most dissatisfied but have grown to accept position.

Interest recently rekindled when it became known that HMG's

policy in other dependencies was not to interfere. Ministers

have recently agreed to maintain status quo. The line to take

is one advocated by Governor.

Hong Kong and General Department December 1981

CONFIDENTIAL