CONFIDENTIAL
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES: PORTUGAL
Points to Make
1. Appreciate Macao's difficulties over refugees. But not acceptable for the Macanese authorities to send boats on to Hong Kong, where the situation is now desparate. The Portuguese Government should instruct the Governor of Maca accordingly.
Portugal's reputation for humanitarian conduct ât stake.
2.
3.
4.
Have the Portuguese said anything to Vietnam?
Appreciate Portugal's own refugee influx (Angola, Mozambique, E Timor). But is there any possibility of Portugal herself accepting some Vietnamese refugees?
Essential Facts
5. Macao, which is administered by Portugal, is refusing to accept any more refugees. Virtually all boats arriving are now escorted to sea and directed towards Hong Kong.
6.
Portugal has no particular influence with Vietnam;
representations might nevertheless be helpful as part of a
coordinated drive.
7. Up to 750,000 refugees, (almost 10% of the country's population) returned to Portugal following the withdrawal from
Angola, Mozambique and E Timor after the 1974 Revolution. It is most unlikely that the Portuguese will feel able to accept further refugees in any significant numbers.
Southern European Department
CONFIDENT I AL