TNAG-1202-FCO40-1504-Policy-on-visas-and-entry-certificates-in-Hong-Kong-1982 — Page 7

Public Relations

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This case has already given rise to considerable media interest both locally and overseas. This can be expected to continue even after Members have advised on the objection. So far the Chinese press has tended to report only the facts. On the other hand the English language media has been the subject of an orchestrated campaign to embarrass the Government. As has already been explained it is not the policy to give reasons for refusing an extension tof stay. There are sound grounds for such a practice and the present case underlines them. Any Government must retain the right to decide which aliens shall enter and reside and on what conditions.

Publicity

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Once the advice of Council is given on this objection and the Governor's order has been made the outcome will be conveyed in writing to Ms. Vertucci. If the order is that her objection is upheld she will be so advised. If the order is that the objection is rejected Ms. Vertucci will not be advised of the reasons why her extension was not granted or of the reasons for the advice offered by Council. The Director of Information Services will issue a short press release in similar terms and in answer to media enquiries.

Procedure following determination of the objection

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In the event of her objection being disallowed and following notification as proposed in para. 18, Ms. Vertucci may make representations that she wishes additional time to wind up her affairs. If this seems reasonable an extension will be granted. It would be the policy to encourage her to depart voluntarily, but if she decides to play this long then she may deliberately become an overstayer. In these circumstances it would be necessary to resort to the issue of a removal order. In doing so a decision would need to be taken by the Director of Immigration whether she should be detained (which is the normal procedure) or be released on recognizance. Thereafter the provisions for appeal to the Immigration Tribunal would come into effect. If the appeal is dismissed she may in accordance with established practice make representations to the Governor against the removal order. If this stage was reached arrangements would be made to deal with the case quickly. However inevitably there would be a time gap of a week or two between the announcement to her of the outcome of her original objection and her final departure. If Members advise that the decision of the Director of Immigration shall be confirmed her supporters can be expected to stimulate interest in her case through the news media up to the time that she leaves and probably thereafter.

SECRET