Original at: NICIC =26/13
This Copy for:
Information only/Action on
Para(s)
CONFIDENTIAL
SECRETARY OF STATE'S MEETING WITH THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG:
10 MARCH
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
POINTS TO MAKE
HICIC 243/2
RECEIVED IN KEGISTRY NO, 51
09 MAR 1981
DECK OFFICER
INDEX
REGISTRY
PA
No
MS
Action Taken
ты
17.
PRESENT POSITION
1
10 FGD 10/31
Glad to see number in Hong Kong, exluding those from China,
now below 19,000.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Not raised in Washington. Hope to get Prime Minister's and
Home Secretary's agreement that 700 or so boat rescues should not
20
be included in 10,000 quota. This will now be solely for those
from Hong Kong. Should carry present programme through until
July/August.
NEW UK QUOTA
3.
Agree in principle that it would be good to announce
additional UK quota during visit to Hong Kong. Have considered
very carefully. Home Secretary sees severe difficulties in any
proposal for a further quota.
Question therefore of tactics.
If Home Secretary accepts
Governor has to convince Mr Whitelaw.
further small quota, best to go to Cabinet after my visit when
I would hope to get agreement to additional numbers, eg 250 per
month to December. However, there is the danger that in raising
the question of additional refugees now, Home Office will make a
link with Hong Kong's demands on Nationality and concede something
on one providing Hong Kong gives up its demands on the other.
CONFIDENTIAL