CONFIDENTIAL
2
5.
Hong Kong has already accepted 58 refugees for resettlement here and there will be more. Out of the original 4,000 refugees who were here at the beginning of May we have managed to resettle 540 either here or elsewhere. By the end of this week the total figure of those resettled will be approaching 800.
6.
As for voluntary repatriation to Vietnam, we have not had a rush to go back. Only nine refugees have shown the slightest interest, and they probably are seeking reassurance that they will not be sent back forcibly to Vietnam. I think it unlikely that any guarantee from the PRG, even achieved through the good offices of the UNHCR, will carry much weight with people who genuinely believe they were fleeing for their lives and whose political past and former social status will be difficult to shake off in a communist society. We shall see. If anyone does express willingness to go back to Vietnam it may be useful to have the umbrella of the UNHCR under which to effect it.
7.
I imagine that the resignation of Mrs. Judith Hart may have affected the policy of the ODM about the disposal of the £1 million for Vietnam relief. If there is likely to be any further contribution in money from HMG to meet the continuing expenses of looking after the refugees, perhaps you would give us as much private warning as possible. This will give us a chance to handle the problems both of politics and publicity.
ever
Yaus
Alam
(A E Donald)
CONFIDENTIAL