Mr Cortazzi
RESTRICTED
COVERING CONFIDENTIAL
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG: UK QUOTA
1.
1797
HACK 943/1 Нак
RELAVLO IN RECISTAT MO. 51
25 CT1979
DESK OFFICER
INDEK
Mo RW 24/x
مله
RE
1794A
You asked for advice on Mr Woodfield's letter of 19 October to Mr Murray (below).
2. The Governor is concerned to increase the UK offtake from Hong Kong so as to convince the major resettlement countries, particularly the United States and Canada, that we are not dragging our feet. His proposal to station a British refugee selection officer in Hong Kong over the next few months should be seen in that context.
3.
The proposal seems sensible to me. But the difficulties mentioned by Mr Woodfield are clearly genuine. My inclination would be to see what emerges from Mr Woodfield's visit to Hong Kong and his discussions there, and then decide whether to intervene with the Home Office on Hong Kong's behalf.
4.
In the meantime I do not think that Mr Woodfield's letter calls for any reply.
RJT McLaren
Hong Kong and General Department
23 October 1979
Mr Muybray
I agree
23/x
So do 1.
that this letter
Discussed with Mr. Woodfield who confirmed
"for information" and he expects
RESTRICTED
no
reply.
COVERING
CONFIDENTIAL
24/x
Diles
23/10
1. Mr triamen 24.10
2 p.a.