CONFIDENTIAL
quite impractical to extend the repatriation policy to include not only those caught at the border but also those who evade the border patrols and surface later in the urban areas.
•
4. As for the Vietnamese refugees, we have made it clear to the Vietnamese Government that we expect them to stop exporting their unwanted people to neighbouring countries, and in particular to put an end to the organised trafficking in refugees from which they themselves have been profiting. The Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary and Lord Goronwy-Roberts have both spoken to the Vietnamese Ambassador in very strong terms. We are also giving full support to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in his efforts to find an international solution to the problem of the Vietnamese refugees, including his efforts to persuade the Vietnamese Government to cooperate in a properly planned programme for those wishing to leave the country.
5.
But despite all these measures I can see no early prospect of a reduction in Hong Kong's problems: indeed, it seems very likely that they will get worse before this year is out. This being so, we must take the request for help very seriously and do all we can to meet it.
6. Thank you also for letting me see a copy of your minute on the financial and other aspects of the proposed temporary reinforcement. I agree that the Governor's request comes in a different category from the arrangements for reinforcement of the Hong Kong Garrison provided for in the Defence Costs Agreement. The Governor has not mentioned the question of costs, but I would not expect him to quarrel with your contention that any extra Forces made available should be provided on the same basis as those which are there already ie that Hong Kong would meet 75% of the costs.
7. You questioned whether it would be right to deploy additional forces to deal with illegal immigration. The facts are that the Hong Kong Government are facing a situation that is potentially a serious threat to the territory's stability; that this situation is caused by external factors; that HMG are responsible for Hong Kong's external relations; and that it is therefore reasonable that the Hong Kong Government should look to us for help. As far as I can see, the only practical help we can provide is by strengthening those units which are playing a major role in the existing efforts to contain the problem. I accept that that role is one of supporting the Hong Kong Police, and that strengthening the Royal Hong Kong Police Force would be an alter- native way of solving the problem. But such a path has its own hazards. The problems which arose with the Hong Kong Police at the end of 1977 were partly the result of efforts to expand the Force more rapidly than its management could cope with.
3. The question of military reinforcement need not be decided now; the Governor has merely given a warning of a possible future requirement. But I could perhaps add at this stage that allowing
CONFIDENTIAL
/the Governor