CONFIDENTIAL
2
taken following rescue by UK-registered vessels. For the record, I enclose a revised table of departures from Hong Kong, which we circulated to those attending the meeting on 5 September. To our embarrassment we discovered that, due to a clerical error, the Danish contribution had been over- looked - thus my telephone call to UKMIS Geneva before Sir James Murray called on Mr Hartling (UKMIS Geneva telegram No. 669 para. 1).
4.
We are grateful to UKMIS Geneva for sorting out the problem of air fares for the "Avon Forest" refugees in Taiwan (UKMIS Geneva telegram No. 706 para.2). I have told ICEM, who will be making the arrangements and initial payment. Timing for the refugees to come here in transit will depend on information which we are still awaiting from the Americans about any who are eligible under categories 1 or 2 of their programme as well as on the ability of UNHCR to provide accommodation here. We shall, of course, give as early notice as possible of any who may have to go on to the UK.
5.
Our appeal to missions here was fortuitously reinforced by an editorial the next day in the SCMP (copy enclosed for you and Hong Kong & General Department only) which arose from the case of some 54 refugees rescued by a Hong Kong-owned vessel from a junk whose appeals for help had been ignored by a number of other ships. I should record that at a reception recently on board the Cable & Wireless ship "C S Recorder" I was told by the captain (no doubt in confidence) that he was under instructions from his London office not to pick up refugees, although he could give supplies to any junk in distress. I have no doubt that these instructions stem from the fact that the ship is based in Singapore, which maintains a very restrictive policy on landing refugees.
6.
Once the 61 refugees have left, we very much hope that you can consider receiving further groups. Following our appeal to missions here any further gesture by the UK would obviously strengthen our hand. I think it is fair to re- emphasize the point that the UK's commitment to a humanitarian approach to the refugee problem has been an important factor in our maintenance of a liberal policy while neighbouring countries have increasingly been taking a harder line. Our policy does come in for criticism. A residents' association in the New Territories recently called on the government to review the policy of granting refugees from Vietnam temporary stay in Hong Kong while at the same time repatriating refugees from China.
7.
We should be grateful if you and Washington would remind the Americans that we expect and need as much help as possible from them, particularly after our helpfulness over the "American Mohawk" (on which I am reporting separately not to all).
CONFIDENTIAL
(I Corr)
Copied to