CONFIDENTIAL
MR CLIFT'S VISIT TO HONG KONG : 22
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
POINTS TO MAKE
REPATRIATION
-
PA. 243/1.
62
28 MAY 1983 :
HKK 243/1
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
2 4 MAY 1983
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
PA
AK24/5
1.
We considered pursuing possibility of repatriation very carefully. The Secretary of State not convinced it was
defensible politically or that we would achieve anything by
approaching the Vietnamese on the subject. Must therefore drop
it. Not helpful if speculation on the matter continues.
MULTILATERAL APPROACH
2.
Secretary of State conscious of your difficulties and
fully aware of need to help. Therefore suggested multilateral
approach. Posts have been instructed to approach their host
Governments. You will have seen the responses. Mixed. We must consider where to go from here. Any ideas? In the meantime,
and before any approach is made to the Vietnamese, please avoid specific public comments about this.
CLOSED CAMPS
3.
Are the amended rules for running the camps prepared in draft yet?
RESETTLEMENT
4.
We have pressed Home Office very hard on further
concessions. They will not move. Fresh approaches at present
counter-productive. But still pressing other countries for
resettlement as part of multilateral approach, and as occasion
eg in Prime Minister's brief for Williamsburg.
arises
J
NUMBERS
5.
Signs in region that outflow is decreasing.
What is your
assessment?
CONFIDENTIAL