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Mr Male
Aale
PS/Lord Goronwy-Roberts
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HONG KONG: MLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM SOUTH VIETNAM
90
1.
Mr James Johnson MP has written to the Secretary of State, enclosing correspondence from Mrs Elsie Elliott, an elected member of the Hong Kong Urban Council, about the illegal immigrants recently returned from Hong Kong to South Vietnam.
2.
We have already received correspondence from Mr Ben Ford MP and Mr Robert Maclennan MP on this case. I recommend that we reply to Mr Johnson on the lines of Lord Goronwy-Roberts's letter of 1 July to Mr Ford. We might add that (as reported in FCO telegram no. 89 to Saigon) Mr Hattersley took the opportunity of the South Vietnamese Foreign Minister's visit to remind him of the assurances given to us on this case, and that Mr Bac confirmed them. I submit a draft reply accordingly.
SEAD agree.
has
3.
Now that Mrs Elsie Elliott, who as we know is a formidable champion of those whom she considers to be hard done by entered the fray, and is using her parliamentary contacts in Britain, it is more important than ever that the assurances given by the South Vietnamese should be honoured. Otherwise the repercussions will cause us considerable embarrassment. Mr Bac's confirmation of the assurances is therefore particularly welcome and timely.
2.1. harra
R B Crowson
Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Dept.
5 July 1974
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Mr Wilford
SEAD
M&VD
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Dr. Sepanded.
Perve
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