6.
15.
In other areas of the region, notably Hongkong, Indonesia,
Japan, Macau, Philippines, Republic of Korea and Singapore, the
number of boat cases arriving since 1 January 1978 new totals
8,101 persons, of whom 3,554 have departed for resettlement in
third countries.
16.
The most dramatic increase has taken place in Hongkong.
Of the 4,053 boat people presently there, 3,709 persons arrived in
the last 3 months. This, coupled with a low departure rave, has
increased the caseload and created a serious situation which is
exacerbated by a shortage of accomodation. Presently, the refugees
are living in 24 commercially rented premises requiring considerable
cash allocations. The Hongkong authorities, together with UNHCR
and voluntary agencies are exploring more satisfactory and economic
alternatives. It is of paramount importance, however, to make
concerted efforts to find more resettlement opportunities and to
Simultaneously, my move those accepted for resettlement quickly.
office will strengthen its presence there. The possibility of
refugees being placed in transit in Macau are also being fully
explored.
17.
As you know, I am returning to Europe via Singapore later
today, as there are presently over 800 "boat people" who have been
permitted to land there against guarantees of onward movement.
18.
The problem of "boat people" in distress on the high seas is
perhaps one of the most tragic situations we face today and one which
we have given particular attention. Our thinking on this is incorporated in the information note circulated in advance of this
(
mecting.
.../.