122
B
(37)
C
43
CONFIDENTIAL COVERING SECRET
ESSENTIAL FACTS
-A
1.
The reason for the decision by the Hong Kong immigration
authorities not to allow Ms Vertucci to stay in Hong Kong and
rejection of her appeal by the Governor in Council is not
connected with her activities on social issues in Hong Kong.
The Lord Privy Seal is aware of the background to this case.
2. Mr Parry will probably ask the Lord Privy Seal to
instruct the Hong Kong Government to give Ms Vertucci more
time in Hong Kong. It would not be appropriate, given the
facts of the case, for him to do so.
3.
XNA
In his letter to the Lord Privy Seal of 11 February,
Mr Parry asked that Ms Vertucci not be repatriated before
their meeting. A meeting on 18 February would accommodate this
since Ms Vertucci can stay in Hong Kong until 19 February.
The Hong Kong Government have told us in any case that Ms Vertucci
intends to leave voluntarily on 19 February. She has told the
press in Hong Kong that she will come direct to London to make
further representations.
4. Under Colonial Regulations any person in a Dependent
Territory has a right to petition The Queen, the Prime Minister
or the Secretary of State. 'Person in a Dependent Territory'
includes any person (including aliens) actually resident in a
Dependent Territory.
5.
A note on UK Immigration rules and procedure in cases
comparable to Ms Vertucci's is attached. UK procedures are
somewhat more flexible than Hong Kong's, particularly as regards
/providing
CONFIDENTIAL COVERING SECRET
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