CONFIDENTIAL
The Governor said that countries of major resettlement such as the USA and Canada were watching the UK's performance. If the UK speeded up its effort then they would be more likely to increase their own off take from Hong Kong. It had been agreed that the UK programme would make a rapid start but it had in fact got underway very slowly. He would be taking up this point with Mr Woodfield.
17. Mr Murray said that the reason for the British delay was that the voluntary agencies setting up the reception camps were moving slowly. Unlike the US and Canada we were just starting. The Governor said this would cut no ice in Canada or the US.
It would be difficult to persuade other countries to increase their intake unless the UK moved faster. Mr Morgan said that about 3,400 would reach UK this year. But apart from Sibonga only 300 of the 10,000 quota had so far left Hong Kong.
18. The meeting ended at 10.50 am.
DISTRIBUTION
PS/Mr Ridley PS/Mr Hurd
PS/Mr Blaker Mr Cortazzi
Mr Murray
Mr Quantrill, HKGD (2 copies)
Mr Watkins, Defence Department
UND
SEAD EID(E) FRD
TRED
HE The Governor of Hong Kong
CONFIDENTIAL