AID TO HONG KONG VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
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During the early part of 1975, Hong Kong gave considerable thought to the possibility that refugees from the war in Vietnam would arrive in the Colony in large numbers. Accordingly, contingency plans were drawn up in readiness for a possible influx.
On 15 April, Mr O'Keeffe minuted to Mr Pearson in the ODM seeking preliminary views on the possibility of HMG making funds available to ease the burden which would be placed on the territory's financial resources in the event of the arrival of a large number of refugees. Mr Rae, Head of ODM Finance Department, replied on 21 April saying that, if the situation arose, HKIOD could submit a case for financial aid. However, he implied that, due to Hong Kong's comparatively healthy financial position, it was unlikely any such submission would get a favourable reception.
In the event, approximately 4,000 refugees arrived in Hong Kong during the period late April/early May. On 13 May, the Foreign Secretary minuted to the Minister for Overseas Development suggesting that there were strong grounds for HMG making some financial contribution to help Hong Kong. The Minister for Overseas Development replied on 29 May agreeing to make £20,000 available initially, and indicating that if the refugees were forced to stay in Hong Kong for some time, ODM might need to look at the problem again. The £20,000 was made available from a fund administered by the Disaster Unit and does not have to be shown
in financial returns made by HKIOD.
On 16 June, Mr O'Keeffe minuted to Mr Williams in the ODM requesting a further £50,000. In doing so, he explained that the number of refugees in Hong Kong would be halved in the following couple of months, but that Hong Kong would continue to bear the burden of the remainder for some time. On 24 June, Mr Williams recommended to the Minister for Overseas Development that £50,000 be made available in the form of a grant to be met from contingencies. The Minister agreed on 25 June and Hong Kong were informed on the same day.
Currently about 200 refugees remain in Hong Kong and the prospects of finding permanent homes elsewhere for the majority of these are fairly good.