CONFIDENTIAL
HKK 243/1
GVV 243/332/1
295
Mr P Morgan, UN Department
5FEB197
Ander
SOUTH EAST ASIA
No
สน
INDEX
ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ISLAND REFUGEE PROCESSING CENTRE
Chr
1. We note that the centre in question could operate for boat refugees as well as land refugees. On both counts we believe we would find it extremely difficult if not impossible and certainly unwise for the UK to give the UNHCR or the Indonesian Government copper-bottomed guarantees regarding costs and eventual resettlement places.
2. The UK has undertaken to take those boat people who are rescued at sea by British ships and cannot be resettled elsewhere. There is no saying how many refugees will be rescued by our ships in the future.
3.
The UK has to recognise that there may be further unavoidable obligations to Hong Kong to be entertained.
4. The UK criteria for land refugees is much more restrictive since these refer to those refugees who have ties with the UK, have a knowledge of English and skills that would enhance their chances of employment in this country. All these facts can only be known and assessed when the refugees in question become available for interview. It is unlikely that many would qualify. The numbers who might be eligible under these criteria would be insignificant.
5. UK financial aid for a project might be a more realistic contribution than one involving an open-ended commitment to take people for resettlement.
€. This would appear the most desirable approach in the circumstances particularly as the Home Office have in the past accepted for consideration applications emanating direct from the UNHCR and from sponsors in UK on behalf of their relatives as and when they
re made,
ce. Mr Hu
SEAD
Humfrey, Mr Quant fill, HK&GD✓
W Wilhans sti
W2Y2
CONFIDENTIAL
Kalenos
J L Katzaros
Migration and Visa Department