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VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG
1. You may like to have the following round-up of developments since you went on leave. All references are to file HKK 18/25 (attached).
Approach to the Australians
2.
I have not taken this idea further because it was partly overtaken by the need to define our attitude to UNHCR involvement (see below) and also because the Australians have now sent an immigration team to examine the situation in Hong Kong and report back (serial 160).
The UNHCR
3. UNHCR interest in the refugees has increased and we had to send instructions to Geneva. I have put up a submission and a draft telegram to UKMIS Geneva (see in this connection serials 166, 151, 147 and 137). The UNHCR has now sent a further appeal to governments, this time for money. SEAD are taking this up with the ODM (serial 162). I have made clear that any contribution the ODM make in response to this appeal should not, in our view, be at the expense of help for Hong Kong.
Financial Help to Hong Kong
4.
The Governor clearly regarded our initial gift of £20,000 with mixed feelings (see in this connection serials 138, 139 and 140). I have asked the ODM what further contribution they envisage making (serial 150).
MP's Letter
5.
Sir Frederic Bennett MP wrote to the Secretary of State about Vietnamese refugees in Hong Kong. I have put up a draft reply (serial 165).
More Refugees
6.
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Our Embassy in Vientiane have raised the possibility that more Vietnamese/Cambodian refugees might wish to leave Laos for, amongst other places, Hong Kong. I have discussed the matter with SEAD; think M&VD should deal with it in consultation with SEAD and ourselves, and SEAD are approaching them (serial 163).
Progress on Resettlement
7.
This continues to be slow. I attach a summary of the state of play with various countries. Hong Kong have not yet replied to the request for details in our telno. 411 (serial 125). As far as HMG are concerned,
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