HONGKONG -- Hongkong yesterday pledged to
                 clamp down on illegal migrant trafficking after another
                 cargo ship which began its journey here arrived in the
                 United States carrying 18 illegal Chinese aliens, three of
                 whom died.

                 "There is no let-up" in the government's efforts to clamp
                 down on migrant trafficking activities by alien smugglers
                 using Hongkong as a transit stop to other countries, said
                 So Kam Shing, Hongkong's principal secretary for
                 security.

                 Three illegal immigrants, including an elderly Chinese
                 woman, were found dead inside a cargo container
                 aboard a vessel from Hongkong that docked at Seattle
                 on Monday.

                 He condemned the alien smugglers, and said this was "a
                 tragic example that highlights the risks of alien
                 smuggling".

                 He expressed hopes that the case would send a warning
                 to those in China contemplating illegal emigration
                 overseas.

                 "They should realise that they will not only fall prey to
                 alien smugglers financially, but will also be risking their
                 own lives," he said.

                 In a meeting yesterday, Hongkong customs officials and
                 representatives of major shipping companies, agencies
                 and container terminal operators agreed to adopt new
                 measures to prevent the territory from being used as a
                 base for alien smuggling.

                 The new measures include shipping companies reporting
                 the use of "soft-top" containers to customs for inspection
                 prior to export and stepping up security. -- AFP, AP

                       Adapted from The Straits Times, 12 Jan 2000.