5.
HMG.
CONFIDENTIAL
-2-
Lord Carrington said that money was not the main problem for
It was largely a matter of unemployment. The present political atmosphere was not favourable but he would fight hard on Hong Kong's behalf. For the moment, however, he thought it best not to raise the question of a future quota with the Home Secretary provided that the extra 700 refugees were agreed. Sir M MacLehose agreed that when he saw Mr Whitelaw on 11 March he would only mention Vietnamese refugees and not press the question of a future quota. It would be best to wait for that until after the Secretary of State's visit to Hong Kong.
Distribution:
Private Secretary PS/Mr Blaker
PS/Mr Luce
PS/PUS
Sir E Youde
Mr Donald
Mr Adams
HKGD
FED
SEAD
CRD
Governor, Hong Kong
CONFIDENTIAL