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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 doubtless argue that the arrival of the 119 could be the direct consequence of publicity about the Leung case.
7.
Following the resolution of the Leung case, I took up with Hong Kong the question of general policy towards illegal immigration. Their reply has again emphasised
amisnotk their reluctance to alter their present policy of return
L to the country of origin, subject only to review of particular cases on humanitarian grounds. In the case of the 119 they have now told us (Hong Kong telegram 621) that they intend to repatriate the whole group to South Vietnam by air as soon as can be arranged. I have however telegraphed to ask 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 make no attempt either to move them on or to repatriate them. This is not really a possibility, especially in circumstances where the Governor is preparing to return illegal refugees
to China.
9. Second, Hong Kong could stick to their existing policy, in particular, return the 119 to south Vietnam as proposed 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 the
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