In July, an international conference was convened at Geneva by the United Nations to discuss the Vietnamese refugee problem. Pressure was brought to bear on Vietnam to stop the outflow of refugees. Since then the number of boat refugees has dropped. In October only 572 arrived.
PA!
Proposal
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wyrobie
7 J.
noHowever, in spite of the se encouraging developments, there is still a considerable danger that the outflow of Vietnamese refugees could m resume. If so, the attitudes shown by potential places of first asylum, including legislative provisons, may influence the destinations chosen by refugees and those arranging their transportation. The additional powers provided by the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Ordinance and the Immigration (Amendment) Ordinance 1979 are still required to deal with the problem effectively. It is therefore proposed that the life of the se provisions' should be extended for a further period of one year.
Financial Implications
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The proposal will have no financial implications.
wytrielyal or
Public Relations
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اللة
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Whilst the Vietnamese refugee problem remains a public concern, it is expected that the public will wel come the proposal.
dat h
Advice Sought
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uniente
Members will be asked to advise whether the resolutions at Annexes A and B should be introduced to the Legislative Council.
(The Secretary for Security (Mr L. M. DAVIES) and Crown Counsel (Mr P. CONRAN) will attend before the Council for the discussion of this item).
15th November 1979
(CR 42/2091/70 VII)
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GF 323
CONFIDENTIAL