CONFIDENTIAL
are becoming increasingly reluctant to undertake further commitments. Sir Murray MacLehose reported at the beginning
of this month that the Americans in particular were
continuing to enquire about the British Government's
intentions once our present quota ends: and that they had
again referred to the need to maintain an international
effort and a steady monthly commitment. The Governor con-
sidered that there was a risk that the steady, if slowing
decline in the numbers in Hong Kong of refugees awaiting
resettlement might before too long go into reverse. He
had no doubt that, if this happened, it would trigger grave
anxieties in Hong Kong.
4.
Against this background, the Governor favours
the granting of an additional quota to Hong Kong, perhaps
on a monthly basis, on a sufficient scale to ensure that the
United States and other recipient countries continue to take off refugees. However, there are, clearly strong domestic
arguments against taking such a decision at present. I
would therefore prefer to keep the situation under close
review over the summer months, particularly as'there are
some indications that the outflow of boat people from
Vietnam
may be rising over the equivalent period of 1980,
and to make a further recommendation before the summer
recess. As I have indicated, much will depend on the
continuing generosity of the Americans, who have already
taken 35,000 refugees and who are certainly influenced by
our own efforts.
I am copying this minute to Willie Whitelaw and
John Biffen, and to Sir Robert Armstrong.
5.
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(CARRINGTON)
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
12 May 1981
CONFIDENTIAL