CONFIDENTIAL
SECRETARY OF STATE'S VISIT TO HONG KONG: 29 MARCH TO 1 APRIL 1981
BRIEF NO 8: DISCUSSIONS WITH GOVERNOR AND SENIOR
OFFICIALS: VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
POINTS TO MAKE
1. Glad to see number in Hong Kong, excluding those from
China, now below 19,000.
2.
Decision to exclude boat rescues from 10,000 quota
should carry present programme through until July/August.
3.
Prepared to consider raising subject of new quota
with Cabinet colleagues on my return. Not hopeful of success.
Practical and political difficulties of finding housing and
employment in UK.
4.
Glad to hear that you are considering a scheme under
which Hong Kong would sponsor refugees at UK reception centre.
Would obviously help through it might not get over all the
problems.
CONFIDENTIAL
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