5
Following further discussion
the application was refused on the 22nd
January 1982. As is normal in such cases, she was allowed a short extension of two weeks to allow her to make her arrangements for her departure. This extension expired on the 5th February 1982.
6
Since 23rd January 1982 a well organised campaign of protest to allow Ms. Vertucci to remain in Hong Kong has been orchestrated by a relatively few people both locally and overseas resulting in over fifth letters, telegrams, petitions and appeals testifying to Ms. Vertucci's moral character, being received. She has attached some of these to her objection. A Parliamentary Question, see Annex B, has also been asked. Included in these submissions is a joint statement from fourteen organisations, a copy of which is at Annex C.
7
The main thrust of these appeals is to describe Ms. Vertucci as a law-abiding and dedicated, Christian social worker who in her four years in Hong Kong has done much to assist the under-privileged, and that her work with the "Asia Monitor" is greatly appreciated by the (mainly overseas) readers who receive this publication. A number of the letters complain that there have been no reasons given for refusing to grant the extension of her visa and ask for the reasons to be given. Some express concern that the decision was taken because Ms. Vertucci had spoken out on social justice issues.
8.
Although the normal line taken when requested to give reasons for such decisions is that it is not the practice to give details of the reasons for not extending periods of stay, in this case a spokesman under pressure stated that the reason for the refusal of her extension of stay had nothing to do with her domestic activities here.
THIS IS A COPY
THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN RETAINED
IN THE DEPARTMENT UNDER
SECTION 3 (4) OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS ACT 1958
SECRET
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.