VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
CONFIDENTIAL
POINTS TO MAKE WITH EXCO AND HKG OFFICIALS
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REPATRIATION
2. As you know, Secretary of State has decided that HMA Hanoi
should not broach subject of repatriation with Vietnamese: his view
was that there was no prospect whats over of obtaining Vietnamese
cooperation in a programme of repatriation. Moreover even discussion of the subject with the Vietnamese would provoke an outcry in Parliament and from public opinion, and probably also internationally, which would rebound against both HMG and the HKG, and could result in even more pressure against closed camp policy.
RESETTLMENT
3. Secretary of State has written to Home Secretary in support SCORRI recommendation on family reunion cases, and also requesting longer term programme of resettlement. No reply yet. (With Governor only: seems likely that Home Secretary will agree to accep the 500 cases, but that he will be reluctant to agree to a simila
quota on an annual basis).
CLOSED CAMPS
4. Know SCORRI recommendation would be very difficult for you
implement. Ministers are inclined to resist SCORRI recommendation
that closed camps be abolished.
CONFIDENTIAL