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2. MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT
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Glad that agreement has been initialled by EC and Hong Kong. During negotiations Minister for Trade took every opportunity
to remind EC colleagues that Hong Kong alone among major Far
East suppliers had a completely open market.
3. NATIONALITY- BARONESS VICKERS' BILL
Falkland Islanders a wholly exceptional case. HMG believe that
Bill not logically necessary, but recognise strength of public.
feeling on this issue in UK. No effect on strength of HMG's
commitment to all Dependent Territories.
4.
NOMENCLATURE IN PASSPORTS
Very pleased that HMG was able to agree that BDTCs should be described as British in passports, as announced to the
Legislative Council on 24 November. This will take effect from
1 January 1983, or when stocks of existing passports run out.
Prime Minister took personal interest in this. Her decision
underlines HMG's strong and continuing commitment to all
Dependent Territories.
5. VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
Closed Camps : HMG are studying, together with the Hong Kong
Government, the human rights implications of the closed camp
policy. [IF PRESSED] This relates to the various international
conventions on human rights that HMG have signed and that have
been extended to Hong Kong.
Numbers: Sympathise with the problems faced by Hong Kong. HMG anxious to do what we can through UNHCR and by persuading other countries to take refugees. Difficult to consider a further UK quota in present circumstances. But considering whether anything further can be done eg on ship rescues, unaccompanied
minors and family reunion criteria.
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