CONFIDENTIAL
the brunt of the boat people traffic; there could be a serious deterioration in relations between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom; and the Governor of Hong Kong would be in a very difficult position.
(b)
Conventions concerning safety of life at sea
(i) If we withdrew from our obligations under these conventions, other countries could well follow suit, and there would be greatly increased danger for people at risk on the seas (not only for refugees).
(ii) We should have to withdraw wholly from the conventions which deal comprehensively with shipping rules which we, as a major maritime nation, have very substantial interest in seeing observed. Further details will follow.
(iii) British ship owners would face serious financial and other problems, if their vessels had rescued refugees who could not be put ashore because the United Kingdom Government would not acknowledge ultimate responsibility for resettlement. The shipping industry would doubtless look to the Government for financial cover for their losses.
I am copying this letter to Tony Butler (Home Office), Bill Beckett (Law Officer's Department, Tom Harris (Department of Trade) and Martin Vile (Cabinet Office).
Ya
Stephe
J S Wall
CONFIDENTIAL