布政司署
香港下亞
畢道
本署檔號 OUR REF.; (126) in CR 2/4761/78
來函檔號 YOUR REF.:
done AF 145
1. Co. Her Stiga Font 2. BAR to me
done AF 12
Security Branch
F12.5
GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT
LOWER ALBERT ROAD
HONG KONG
75
see
82
(312)
P J Williamson Esq
Hong Kong & General Department
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
London SW1
ENGLAND
5th May 1982
HKK 243/1
Dear Pakrids
No
CGE
25/5 AR25/5
Vietnamese Refugees
-
Role of the BBC
81225/5
cre Noted
ссе
18/5
During the course of our many meetings with
visiting American delegations, Congressional groups and such like, the Voice of America (VOA) and the BBC are
often mentioned for the part they have (perhaps
unwittingly) played in adding to the so called 'pull factor' by publicising resettlement opportunities and so on.
2.
We are all now in the business of trying to get the message back to Vietnam that the resettlement heyday is a thing of the past and that there are now virtually no opportunities for resettlement anywhere. As you will no doubt know the Americans have now gone public on their more restrictive criteria and we are told that the VOA is helping to publicise the fact that the USA will only offer resettlement to those who can prove close ties with America.
3.
The question now is how can the BBC help to publicise the changed circumstances. I have discussed with Johnnie Johnston, GIS, who advises me that we have only a limited opportunity in Hong Kong to speak with BBC reporters and that the more correct and effective approach is for the FCO to approach the BBC in London.
Could you do this?
4.
When he was in Hong Kong in November last, I briefed Clive Syddall of the BBC on the refugee problem and he may be a suitable point at which to start your enquiries.
/........ 5.