T
1
6.
2
Today the full UK quota of refugees has been selected and only some 1,500 still wait in Hong Kong
Meanwhile, other countries to be called forward to UK.
(notably USA and Canada) have been taking a substantial
USA is at present
number of refugees from Hong Kong. taking 1,500 a month.
7.
nd
It is expected that the UK quota would be filled by March/April this year. The Hong Kong Government hopes that the UK will accept a further quota during 1981 in order to demonstrate HMG's continuing concern for its own dependent territory. The monitors the British programme carefully because it believes HMG should look after the Hong Kong problem. HMG is reluctant to accept further quota because it believes that there would be strong political objection at a time of high unemployment and a shortage of housing but unless the British resettlement programme continues the US might well It is to Hong stop its resettlement programme from Hong Kong.
Kong's advantage to play the issue in a low key and hope that.:: a means will be found to continue the British resettlement
programme.
8.
This is an issue on which the Hong Kong Government
In the keeps in close and regular contact with Whitehall. meantime, the Hong Kong Government Office in London is in touch with the three voluntary agencies (viz British Council for Aid to Refugees, the Ockenden Venture and Save the Children Fund) responsible for the reception and resettlement of refugees in Britain over the possibility of finding more housing and jobs for refugees.
13 January, 1981
DRF/SVS
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