CODE 18-77
Reference...
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2015
Mr Morrice Mr Williamson
MOENACO 2
7285.
de fukif 285. to Scarle.
28.5
J 28.
CONFIDENTIAL
HONG KONG: ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
нны HIR 341!
RECEIVED 'N VOY 30. 51
1 - JUN 1981
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
PA
REGISTRY Action Takan
No mas
W
1. I discussed this with the Secretary for Security, the CBF and others. Hong Kong are reasonably relaxed about the current rate of capture. They point out that the figures in April were distorted by the inclusion of the 'junk people' from Haifeng. They are, however, watching the situation carefully. They are uncertain about the present evasion rate. Recent concentrated sweeps of sector and housing estate areas where illegals could be expected to hide out have shown remarkably few people. Therefore, either the evasion rate has been sharply reduced or a number of illegals are remaining undetected. In the latter regard the main worry. is of course the forged identity card industry. The Governor has asked that this be looked into urgently but there are serious problems about producing a fool-proof identity card quickly. It could take as long as two years. Meanwhile the use of driving licences as a substitute for ID cards is being cut down.
2. It remains a worrying point that the controls on the Chinese side of the border do not appear very effective and the fishing fleet is probably still extensively used. The agreed Hong Kong, view is therefore that the present deployment of about 6 battalions on II work must continue for the indefinite future. The relief will come when an additional battalion is in place and only about one third of the total garrison are engaged on these duties.
27 May 1981
R D Clift
Hong Kong and General Department
CONFIDENTIAL
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