Mr J Scott Douglas
A
16 August 1976
of this sort would not be tolerable for the population of Hong Kong itself. Consequently, the Hong Kong authorities took the view that they could admit the refugees only provided firm undertakings were given that the refugees would subsequently be allowed to resettle in other countries. They ensured that the "Ava" was kept properly supplied and that the refugees were adequately looked after while on board the ship. In the event, some governments indicated that they were prepared to give sympathetic consideration to requests from the refugees for resettlement and the Hong Kong authorities decided to allow the refugees to land. They have been accommodated in a hotel and a representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, who had meanwhile arrived in Hong Kong, has assumed responsibility for their welfare and is making arrangements for their resettlement. I am sure you will understand, therefore, that the position regarding the refugees on the "Ava" was more complicated than you may have been led to think by press reports. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees is in touch with us (and, I believe, with other governments) to try to evolve a generally acceptable procedure for dealing with any similar problems involving refugees which may occur in future.
I cannot comment on the attitude of the governments of Malaysia and Singapore, which are independent member countries of the Commonwealth, about the admission of Indo-China refugees into their countries. It is certainly true that many countries in South-East Asia fear than an influx of refugees from Indo-China would create problems which they are not equipped to solve. If you wish to pursue this, you might care to write to the Embassies of the two countries in the United States.
2
J A B Stewart
1