CONFIDENTIAL
APPENDIX 1 TO ANNEX B
Record of the Mecting between the C.0. of HMS Wasperton and the Master
of the Eucy Fong on 23rd December.
1.
The master reported some severely ill refugces. Approximately 20 old people with high fevers and severe stomach pains, also one fractured jaw and two old people suffering from serious vomitting.
2.
General Situation. Mastor states that refugees will not be accopted in Taiwan because Taiwan is not a member of UN. He declares that his life has been threatened and the lives of his crew if the refugees are not off loaded in Hong Kong. The feeling of the refugees is that they can expect humane treatment from the British and wish to land and remain for two months pending repatriation to the United States where most have relatives/contacts. Remainder consider United States of America as first preferenco. A large number of ex Vietnamese Army officers will be shot if they return to Vietnam.
3.
The master initially kept all Hong Kong Government signals from the refugees but when their leader was made aware of the Hong Kong Government line their manner became threatening. 1. further complication cited by the master is that there is no intemational refugee organisation in Taiwan.
4.
5.
Detailed comments by the master :
(e)
(2)
Refugees have had no food for three days and request biscuits, bread etc. immediately.
There are no medical supplics on board and no qualified medical hulp except fundamental first aid.
(c) There are 20 tons of potable water remaining which will last for two days with strict rationing. More water is required as soon as possible.
The Master feels that he is not competent to assess the depth of his problem on board and has requested Hong Kong Government Immigration and Health Officers to carry out this assessment.
6.
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The Master declared that if not allowed to stay he will cause the vessel to stay' here rather than sail for the Philippines or any other South East Asian country. Furthermore he is adamant that the refugees will not allow him to weigh anchor and sail out of Hong Kong waters (he appeared a very frightened man).
7.
The following details were obtained :
(a)
MV Huey Fong master : Hsu Man Hsin.
(b) Bound for Kaohsiung in Taiwan.
(c)
From Bangkok.
(6) Owners/Agents are Trans-world Nazine Company/William
Navigation Company.
COMICID
OMSIDENTUL