3.
(contd)
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However, the higher numbers for Hong Kong in september also reflect the fact that in earlier months fewer places were assigned to Hong Kong because the increased number of arrivals and UNHCR's delay in taking over from ICE M meant that there was a large backlog of unprocessed refugees. It may not be until November that we start to see whether the US will be able to take many category IV refugees from Hong Kong (or from anywhere else).
4.
No matter how generous the Americans can be in giving places to refugees in Hong Kong, it is clear that any really significant improvement in the position here will only be seen once other countries make a far greater contribution.
сс
J Thompson Esq MBE k Z & G Dept FCO
Chancery, Washington
UK MIS, Geneva
(I Corr)
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