CONFIDENTIAL
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raised with him by some civil servants. He had reminded
them why Section 4(5) had been included in the Act and of
the background to the need for registrations under that
section to be exercised "only sparingly". He noted and
understood fully the concern of certain Crown servants.
Illegal Immigration
7. Secretary for Security outlined the problem of racketeers bring to Hong Kong illegal immigrants under
the age of 14. They had previously been allowed to stay if they were joining their mother, or their nearest relative, in Hong Kong. But the increasing number of children now being smuggled to Hong Kong had created a severe problem. Various solutions had
been examined and it had been concluded that the only practical solution for ending the racketeering was to repatriate such children, together with their families. Secretary for Security would write to Mr Donald setting out the proposed change.
8. Lord Belstead was sympathetic in view of Hong Kong's immigration problems but foresaw considerable political difficulties for HMG over the proposal. He would ensure that the proposals received a fair hearing.
Government House
Hong Kong
14 December 1982
CONFIDENTIAL
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