CONFIDENTIAL
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8. It will be clear from the foregoing that whatever the
result is on Hong Kong we shall not be able to provide
specific briefing until after the elections on 3 May.
General background briefing onthe refugee problem is in the
Bag.
9. For Washington.
Please ask the Americans, who are aware
of the serious increase in refugee arrivals in Hong Kong and
whom we understand are keen supporters of the transit centre
proposal, whether they would also consider speaking to the
Indonesians with a view to having Hong Kong included in this
scheme. We should be most grateful for any support they can
give in this regard. The fact that they expect to take fewer
refugees from Hong Kong during April and May (Hong Kong
telno 475 not to all) might be an added inducement to them to
help us.
10. For UKMis Geneva. please continue to argue (with
UNHCR) for Hong Kong's inclusion in scheme.
11. For Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok: please advise whether you
think an approach to your governments might be helpful as a
means of having Hong Kong included in the island transit
centre project.
CONFIDENTIAL