RESTRICTED
2
4. I think, therefore, that we can expect no further acceptance
If of liong Kong refugees by Argentina for some months to come. UNHCR and CIME can be persuaded to assemble a suitable group as indicated by Bianculli, it may be possible to arrange a visit by
The Argentine the Argentine selection team in a few months' time. predilection remains the young family from an agricultural back- ground. Bianculli indicated a minor variation on this, in that there may be some requirement in the future for refugees with a fishing background.
5. The answers to the questions put in paragraph three of your letter are as follows:
a)
Current quota:
1,000 families (ie 4-5,000 people) over an unspecified period. It could easily be another year before this quota is filled.
There are no plans at present for the quota to be increased.
Places in the present quota have not been allocated between sources.
b)
e)
a)
N/A.
c)
f)
So far the great majority of refugees have come from Thailand. UNHCR/CIME advice will be effective in deciding the source of refugees from about February onwards.
Arrivals to date total about 570 and should reach 8-900 by the end of the year. 29 have come from Hong Kong, the rest from Thailand.
ce:
HK & GD, FCO
UND, FCO
Hong Kong Government Office,
London
UKMIS Geneva
RESTRICTED
AR Murray (Head of Chancery)