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would fail to bear fruit. Even now, all Vietnamese arrivals to territories of first asylum are under such guarantee and yet Hong Kong still bears the burden of a substantial VR population, some 40% of whom have been in Hong Kong for well over two years.
Para 7(d) of the UNHCR paper implies that RASRO participants could set their own criteria for resettle- ment. What would be the fate of those boat rescues who might not match such criteria? Under the present system, all Vietnamese rescued by ship and not resettled elsewhere would at least be guaranteed resettlement in the "flag" country.
Para 8 (c) of the paper implies that Hong Kong as a coastal state would be requested to waive the first port of call principle. We fear that Hong Kong, being "favourably located" and well reputed for humanitarianism, would become the target for disembarking of boat rescues and also the victim of racketeering in organized departures.
Para 8(c) also implies that delays in resettlement would not be allowed to prejudice subsequent disembarkation. Coastal states like Hong Kong need to have some "clout" over dilatory flag countries. Hong Kong should therefore reserve the right to "penalise" such flag countries.
Internationally, there are few resettlement offers left for Vietnamese arrivals. The RASRO proposals may well divert even these few offers to cover small boat rescues.
In view of the lack of a further UK quota for Hong Kong, any UK contribution to the RASRO scheme by way of resettlement places would inevitably be the subject for much, and probably bitter, comment in Hong Kong. Other resettlement countries may also be expected to take a critical view of such UK participation.
This also raises the question as to whether Hong Kong as a British port of registry would be required to contribute. We would assume not, because any Hong Kong contribution would be politically (and financially) unacceptable. Community resentment can be guaranteed.
Finally, we note that it is possible for a flag country to choose not to participate in the RASRO scheme. In respect of these flag countries, presumably coastal states can still apply the 90-day limit for resettlement of boat rescues.
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