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take advantage of any relaxation to try their luck in Hong Kong, with the soft option of deportation somewhere else if they fail. The Hong Kong Government would doubt?
· argue that the arrival of the 119 could be the direct consequence of publicity about the Leung case.
7.
autanolic
Following the resolution of the Leung case, I took up with liong Kong the question of general policy towards, illegal immigration. Their reply has again emphasised their reluctance to alter their present policy of return to the country of origin, subject only to review of particula cases on humanitarian grounds. In the case of the 119 thes have now told us (Hong Kong telegram 621) that they inten to repatriate the whole group to South Vietnam by air is soon as can be arranged. I have however telegraphed to k the Governor to hold all action pending consideration by Lord Goronwy-Roberts.
8. Four options are open to the liong Kong Government. First they could allow refugees to stay in Hong Kong and at ke no attempt either to move them on or to repatriate then. This is not really a possibility, especially in circumstances where the Governor is preparing to return illegal refugeen to China.
9.
Second, Hong Kong could stick to their existing policy, in particular, return the 119 to South Vietnam as proponed without further ado. Amnesty and others are likely to attack this as inhumane. Part of the problem is the uncertain fate that awaits deserters and draft dodgers from South Vietnam. It appears unlikely that they will be harshly treated, but there will certainly be allegations to tim
CONFIDENTIAL
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