CODE 18-77
POINTS TO MAKE
Reference
1. Hong Kong has highest boat refugee population in region. Its position as a place of first asylum is deteriorating. It therefore desperately needs a larger resettlement offtake than at present.
2. Hong Kong Government are concerned that US offtake from Hong Kong is often below the monthly quota of 300 to which State Department is committed. Naturally appreciate that US has commitments other than Hong Kong, but hope it will be able to continue to take its quota.
3. 33% of Hong Kong's refugees have been there over 2 years.
Capes These cause Hong Kong Government most anxiety. Their offtake would greatly ease Hong Kong's burden while, hopefully, not attracting significantly more arrivals.
!