NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES
RATE OF INTAKE
1. I cannot say at this stage how rapidly the commitment is
likely to be taken up. The precise rate will be discussed with
the Governor of Hong Kong and will depend on the rate at which
the refugees can be assimilated.
TOO FEW
2. As several on Members acknowledged or recognised in the
House on 18 July, this country has an excellent record for
accepting refugees and other immigrants. But there are constraints
on our ability to take large numbers in a short time.
FAMINE RELIEF IN INDO-CHINA
3.
We are aware of the danger of famine and are watching the
situation carefully. We shall if necessary be ready to consider
contributing to measures of famine relief provided that arrangements
can be made to ensure they do not fall into the wrong hands.
R B Flower
South East Asian Department
19 July 1979