2
It should also be remembered that Hong Kong has already absorbed well over 14,000 Vietnamese into its community since the fall of Saigon. For its size, this is an outstanding contribution and surely it cannot be expected to accept any more.
In an effort to discourage more arrivals, while nevertheless giving those already in Hong Kong asylum in humane conditions, almost 3,900 are now in closed centres, which last year cost the Hong Kong community HK$60 million and will probably cost a further HK$100 million in 1983. This is exclusive of UNHCR's contribution.
This adds up to an enormous burden and we are anxious to receive relief.
As you know, some time ago Hong Kong suggested that the position was so serious that the only realistic solution would be forced repatriation. Even so,
it has been decided after consultation with HMG that because of the humanitarian considerations and legal difficulties, the option of pursuing involuntary repatriation to Vietnam in present circumstances could not be justified. You will appreciate, of course, that this underlines even more Hong Kong's grave difficulties resulting from diminishing resettlement opportunities. In seeking to cope with the long-term problems posed by Vietnamese refugees we are looking at further ways of encouraging the Vietnamese authorities to increase the rate of orderly departure and reduce the numbers seeking asylum by sea. HMG is urgently consulting other Governments and UNHCR to this end. We continue, too, to pursue with countries of resettlement all available opportunities for those already in Hong Kong.
The problem of Vietnamese refugees has not been an easy one for all concerned. All I will add is that long Kong has had a particularly large, perhaps the lion's share of this sad situation.
ув
Jack Cater (COMMISSIONER)
JC/jf
bc FCO/HKGD and FCO/SEAD
S for S