CAPELLA FER me, a. 159 mamman vurk Lea
COVERING CONFIDENTIAL
firstly because we thereby protect the basic intention behind
our decisions of last summer to admit a further 10,000 refugees, that is, to ease the burden on Hong Kong; and secondly because it is logical and fair that refugees rescued in this way should not as a result jump ahead of the tens of thousands patiently
waiting their turn for a year or more in refugee camps around
South East Asia. Over the past months; we have had some success in convincing first port of call States in the region to accept refugees without a guarantee indeed since last July only Singapore,
Taiwan and Australia have insisted on one in respect of refugees
rescued by British ships. And if the numbers of boat refugees in
camps in South East Asia continue to fall, it may be that more countries will be prepared to grant temporary asylum without
guarantee.
I am sending a copy of this, minute to the Home Secretary.
!
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
21 April 1980
(CARRINGTON)
COVERING CONFIDENTIAL
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