Mr Male
CONFIDENTIAL
93B
Flag
HONG KONG:
1.
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
Further to my minute of 15 May, we have been considering the points made at your meeting of Heads of Department on the
same day.
2.
We have examined the background to the International Committee for European Migration mentioned in The Times (15 May) and also in the Governor's telegram no. 1 to Bonn as possibly being involved in some way with the refugees. UND, however, tell us that this body is principally, if not exclusively, concerned with migration or resettlement of Europeans e.g. White Russians coming out of China through Hong Kong. Until there is evidence of positive interest on their part, I suggest we can exclude this body from our
considerations.
3.
We have, in conjunction with the appropriate geographical departments, considered Pondicherry and New Caledonia as possible homes for some of the refugees on the grounds that there are already
substantial Vietnamese communities there. SAD advises that the
Indian Government is most unlikely to accept any, partly because of their own demographic problems and partly because their sympathies are wholly with the PRG, whom they certainly would not wish to offend now. But WED and SWPD see no harm in our suggesting to the French authorities that New Caledonia might prove a suitable home. I attach a draft telegram accordingly.
4.
Finally we have considered your point that some of the refugees might actually want to go home. I attach a draft telegram to Hong Kong asking for a report on this. the point that no-one should be sent back
5.
16 May 1975
Сс
It of course again makes against his will.
UND, SAD, WED, SWPD, SEAD and FED concur.
TH for despatch.
ан
PS/Lord Goronwy-Roberts
Muffe
PL O'Keeffe
Hong Kong & lndian Ocean Dept.
CONFIDENTIAL