CONFIDENTIAL
6.
Vietnamese Refugees
1. The Hong Kong Government asked at the end of last year whether the UK would accept a batch of 50 Vietnamese "boat people"
currently in Hong Kong. Hong Kong has a very good record in its handling of these refugees and although the majority are eventually resettled elsewhere it seems likely that some 200 will be left in Hong Kong. None of these have asked to come to this country but it would be a welcome gesture, both on humanitarian grounds and in our relations with the Hong Kong Government, if we were to express willing- ness to accept a batch above our normal
arrangements.
2. The Home Office Immigration Department have given their support to this proposal. But no final authority can be given until further funds can be made available to the voluntary agencies who will look after the refugees. A case for the additional funds is under consideration in the Treasury at
the moment.
CONFIDENTIAL