CODE
18-77
(10
Reference...
Mr Quantrill
Mr Williamson
АКК 24312
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RECEIVED HI REGISTRY NO. 51
18 FEB 1980
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
The
PA
REGISTRY Action Taken
ENGLISH TEACHING FOR VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG
1. While on the telephone to Mr Davies this morning, I asked if they had any particular points on the question of English lessons for refugees earmarked for the UK.
2. He said that since they now had nearly 4,000 people earmarked, of whom the great majority would be in Hong Kong for several months, there did seem logic in using the time for teaching them English. Hong Kong were however unhappy at the idea of paying 50% of the cost.
3. I said that the Home Office had misgivings on their part about financing lessons in Hong Kong when there was time to be used for the purpose in Britain, probably at a smaller cost. We would speak to the Home Office and let Hong Kong have a reply.
4. Hong Kong have at any rate one point here the long period spent by refugees in Hong Kong after being earmarked. Nevertheless the Home Office's argument about costs still seems quite persuasive. Would you please discuss with them and agree a reply to Hong Kong. I would like to see it before I go out there.
12 February 1980
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R D Clift