HKIA FI
RES TRIC TED
SIR W HARDING'S VISIT TO THE US
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG
POIN TS TO MAKE WITH STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS
1.
Most grateful for all that US has done over the years
to assist with resettlement from Hong Kong.
2.
in
As you may know, HMG announced on 26 September,
response to a report by SCORRI, that we would accept some
500 family reunion cases falling outside the normal
criteria for settlement in the UK. Since then we have been
approaching other countries to take additional numbers of
refugees from Hong Kong, in the light of our initiative.
At present still 10,000 refugees in Hong Kong camps.
3°
Before leaving the US Administration, Ambassador
Douglas said he would explore possibility of "quick
gesture" of
chance
support to boost Our diplomatic effort.
Any
of this? An early positive decision would greatly
both in itself and with our approaches to other
help us,
countries.
4.
Understand newly-established Indo-Chinese
Panel is undertaking review of US policy.
Refugee
Is this likely
to have effect on your level of resettlement from Hong
Kong? When is the panel likely to
to reach conclusions?
5.
Responses by other countries (defensive)
Some encouraging signs
has announced
eg Australia
to take their le ad
from the US
!
decision to take 200 more from Hong Kong. But suspect many
countries may be
waiting
response.