CODE 18-77
46
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Mr Mortice Mr Williamson
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES:
1.
CONFIDENTIAL
HKK 243/2
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51
09 JUN 1980
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
PA
HONG KONG TELEGRAM ND 717
MEISTRY Action Taken
Aw al
I discussed this at the Home Office with Mr Head today. Mr Marshall of the JCRV and Mr Goddard were also present.
2. As we expected, the Home Office and, in particular, Mr Marshall, were fairly annoyed at Hong Kong's reminder. I pointed out that Hong Kong were themselves under political pressure and must be worried at the situation, particularly with the prospect of an increased flow from Vietnam.
3. We then discussed figures and agreed that Hong Kong's estimate of the current position was about right. ie by the end of May 4,900 of the 10,000 quota had reached Britain. (I think it is misleading to talk about an 11,000 quota as Hong Kong have done).
4. The Home Office hope however to do better in June than the estimate of 600. They clearly have difficulties here in not wanting to send in over-optimistic estimates in advance. But they believe it should be possible to attain an average of 700 per month from now on which would clear the remaining 5,000 by the end of this year. This will be helped by the fact that they have increased the number of reception centre places by 330 over the existing 3,650. They are reluctant to make greater increases in reception centre holdings, in particular to increase the time spent by each refugee in the centres.
5.
There is a distinct threat to the target of 700 per month. The problem is still housing. They are working on the local authorities but there are signs of resistance there. If there is a serious drying up, the Home Office's idea is to get ministerial approval for cash to compensate local authorities for taking refugees in areas of housing pressure. They do not want to put large numbers of refugees in areas where housing is easy but where there is high unemployment.
6. Mr Head will draft a reply to the Hong Kong telegram, clearing it with Mr Woodfield. He will also speak to the latter about Mr Davies calling in the week beginning 16 June. We should be able to get the telegram away on Tuesday Meanwhile I would be grateful if Mr Morrice would assure Mr Davies that we have talked to the Home Office and that they are working on the problem. I do not think that it would be wise at this stage to give any of the detail which I have set down above.
7. I have bold Mu
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6 Juen 1980
R D Clift
* Submitty ĥ Mr
Blake)
CONFIDENTIAL