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THIS IS A COPY
THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN RETAINED IN THE DEPARTMENT UNDER SECTION 3 (4) OF THE
PUBLIC RECORDS ACT 1958
4. We have consulted the Home Office about whether HMG would
take similar action against such activists in this country. It
is not really possible to make valid hypothetical comparisons since the
circumstances and the legislation are different. However, I under-
stand that no persons have been deported after appeal for political
reasons and only one on security grounds under the UK Immigration
Act since 1973. Persons against whom such action is contemplated
normally leave of their own volition. The circumstances in Hong Kong
are, however, special. The decision not to renew Ms Vertucci's
permit to stay in Hong Kong may be defensible on immigration grounds.
5. We do not have to defend this decision at this stage. Since
an appeal by Ms Vertucci to the Executive Council is pending, it would
not be proper to comment now. When the appeal is heard and, as is
most likely, rejected we can expect more questions about the case.
We shall consult the Hong Kong Government on the line to be taken.
A good deal will depend on whether anything can be said publicly
about Ms Vertucci's connection with Philippine dissident groups.
6. PUSD are obtaining copies of the evidence
mentioned in paragraph 2 of the Hong Kong telegram.
7. Mr Parry was most probably prompted to ask these Questions
by Mr Walter Easy, an ex-Hong Kong policeman who has published many
articles critical of the Hong Kong Government and provides MPs
with information about the Territory.
Mr Easy tried unsuccessfully
to persuade 'The Guardian' to print the story.
Rop
R D Clift
Hong Kong and General Department
1 February 1982
cc Mr Holloway PUSD
Mr Newton SEAD
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