Mr Leahy
PS/Mr Luard
PS/Lord Goronwy-Roberts
CONFIDENTIAL
fr
382
HKK 243/1
14/11
Her will
1. amem J14/2
PA
No
Jealz Che
366
AN ISLAND PROCESSING CENTRE FOR INDO-CHINESE REFUGEES
1. I do not think that Mr Simpson-Orlebar's submission of 13 February gives adequate weight to the arguments in favour of setting up an island centre nor do I think that the arguments against the proposal are as overriding as Mr Simpson-Orlebar
thinks.
2.
3.
ARGUMENTS IN FAVOUR OF A CENTRE
The Malaysians are already very sensitive to press criticism of their handling of the refugee problem. If as a result of rejection of the island scheme they push more poeple out to sea this could lead to even more criticism which would have an increasing impact on our own relations with Malaysia and the rest of ASEAN.
The island would certainly save some lives and I think that this should surely be of paramount concern
to us.
ARGUMENTS AGAINST
I do not agree that the establishment of an island centre would necessarily encourage an even greater out- flow from Vietnam. If it became known as it would do that refugees would be sent to this island and might have to wait month or even years before resettlement this would surely deter all but those who were facing serious persecution and misery in Vietnam from trying
to escape.
b. I think that the arguments at 9 b. about another island being needed and about the very large number of ethnic Chinese and ethnic Vietnamese who would leave the country if they could is exaggerated.
If steps
/are
CONFIDENTIAL