AIDE MEMOIRE
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
>
It has been decided to allow the Vietnamese refugees on board the "Ava" to land in Hong Kong with a view to early resettlement elsewhere. This decision has been reached in expectation that places of resettlement will in fact be found for them elsewhere in the near future, and on the understanding that UNHCR will assume responsibility for their care and maintenance after landing (expected to be in a day or two) and for seeking their early resettlement. Confirmation that UNHCR will assume that responsibility is sought urgently.
In carrying out that responsibility, UNHCR can rely on the full cooperation of the Hong Kong authorities. Local representatives of Governments, notably that of the USA, which have indicated their readiness to accept refugees for permanent settlement, and local voluntary agencies, will no doubt also be ready to help. It is hoped that a
representative of UNHCR will go to Hong Kong without delay for these purposes.
The British Government are concerned that the landing of the "Ava" refugees should not:
(a)
result in Hong Kong becoming the principal temporary safe haven for the Vietnamese and other Indo-Chinese refugees, while certain of her Asian neighbours refuse to accept them under any circumstances Hong Kong last year received 4,000 refugees whilst arrangements were being made for their permanent settlement both in Hong Kong and elsewhere; moreover, some 4-5,000
Wietnamese