POINTS TO MAKE
W (108)
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES (DEFENSIVE)
1.
Sympathise with Hong Kong's difficulties. Aware of the
enormous burden you have shouldered and your admirable record as one of main places of first asylum. We are continuing to explore ways
of resolving problems in conjunction with UNHCR and resettlement
countries.
2.
Hope that closed camp policy will prove to have deterrent effect. Understand number of arrivals so far this year is lower
than in 1982.
3.
[Only if raised]. Question of involuntary repatriation was
looked into. Afraid we could not justify this to Parliament or
public opinion in present circumstances.
4.
[Only if raised]. Regret that UK unable to accept any further quota.
Resettlements here have not been successful.
But we
continue to accept ship rescue, family reunion cases and commitments under the Orderly Departure Programme.
Hong Kong Department
30 June 1983
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