DRAFT
Some 1,700 refugees were called forward in the course of September for
onward travel to the UK as soon as transport arrangements could be made
at the Hong Kong end. About 200 arrived in September and we very much
hope that ICEM will be able to ensure, in the light of the notice they
have been given, that the remaining 1,400-1,500 arrive by the end of
October. We are also calling forward a further approximately 500
refugees this week in time (subject to transport arrangements being made)
for them to arrive in November. Every effort will be made at the UK
end to call forward the refugees as soon as there is reasonable certainty
that the necessary accommodation is available. However, it is obviously
very desirable that ICEM should be able to respond reasonably promptly
(ie within three or four weeks of call forward). We think it would be
helpful if ICEM could arrange a charter (at their expense) for December.
Indeed, there is a good case for using more charter flights, but we
understand that ICEM have resisted these on grounds of cost.