CODE 18.77
(88
94
Mr Clift
Cart: J
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
MKK 243/2
RECEIVED IN MIGDIKY MO. 51
DESK GEL R
INDEX
No
twtaA;
ACTORY
PA
oton Telen
CGE
18/11
1fColu
1. We are seeing Mr Ford on 5 November to discuss Mp Davies' letter at folio 88. I have discussed this with Mr Stitt.
2. Continuing resettlement - we are not going to get much more from the Home Office, particularly by way of a new quota. This would have to go to No 10, where it would not be agreed.
In contrast to what the Governor said, Mr Davies says that no Hong Kong Government funds can be used to subsidise resettlement here. Why this change in attitude? It is unlikely that a subsidy would help change minds but it is probably the only thing that would. What does Mr Ford suggest we do next?
-
3. Ship rescues we cannot give a watertight guarantee that we will accept for resettlement those not better qualified within a 90 day period. Each case has to be considered on its merits and be referred to No 10. There is no point in our asking No 10 for a general guarantee because we will not get it. In practice, however, case by case approval has worked well for Singapore and the guarantee will be given in 48 if not 24 hours. I believe, though it is not absolutely clear to me from Mr Davies' letter that this would in fact be acceptable to the Hong Kong Government Moreover, I see no reason why the Hong Kong Government need disclose the exact terms of its understanding with HMG.
(88
3 November 1981
Jrichiama Juidão
P J Williamson
Hong Kong and General Department
BU Cykel
Week
10/1
noted as
lolu