CONFIDENTIAL
-2-
5.
The proposal to set up an island processing centre is still under discussion. The latest information, in Jakarta telegram
No Misc 21 to Geneva, suggests that the ASEAN scheme may be rather more limited in scope than we had originally expected. The present intention seems to be to set up a centre for between 5,000 and 10,000 refugees for whom offers of final resettlement have already been confirmed. The UNHCR has agreed to carry out a feasibility study of the proposed sites and to seek funds once the details have been agreed by all concerned. We have kept a fairly low profile in the discussions so far but will be ready to cooperate if the proposal seems likely to come to anything. We will, of course, do everything possible to ensure that refugees now in Hong Kong, or who arrive there later will be covered by the scheme.
Recommendation
6.
Lord Goronwy-Roberts may wish to reply to the Governor on the lines of the attached draft. UND concur.
6 April 1979
сс
UND
SEAD
Randven
R JT McLaren
Hong Kong & General Department
And Colg
bliv
CONFIDENTIAL