CONFIDENTAL
5, THERE ARE OF COURSE PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES IN SELECTING REFULLES
WHO ARE SUITABLE AND WILLING TO GO TO THE U.K. THIS IS PARTICULARLY
SO IF DEPARTURES HAVE TO BE PHASED OVER 12-15 MONTHS. MANY WHO MIGHT BE SUITABLE WOULD PREFER TO GO TO THE U.S, HOWEVER REMOTE THA
CHANCES. IT REQUIRES TIME AND PERSUASION TO GET THEM TO OPT FOR
THE U.K IN, SAY, 12 MONTHS RATHER THAN CONTINUE TO DREAM OF
DEPARTURE TO THE U.S MORE QUICKLY.
6. PLEASE ASSURE THE HOME OFFICE THAT THE LOCAL UNHCR OFFICE,
WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THE PROCESSING AND CARE OF REFUGEES N HONG KONG, IS DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO HELP BIRT. WE ARE ALSO DOING WHAT WE CAN TO HELP, E.G BY MAKING SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS TO
ADVANCE THE TRANSFER OF REFUGEES FROM THE KAI TAK DETENTION CENTRE TO THE SHAMSHUIPO CAMP. THIS HAS PUT AN ADDED BURDEN ON C ID WHILE THEY CONTINUE THEIR INVESTIGATIONS.
7. BIRT WILL BE TELEGRAPHING THE HOME OFFICE TODAY WITH HIS OWN
REPORT.
MACLEHOSE
FILES
UND
HRGD
SEAD
*
2
CONFIDENTIAL
1