Ps/Mr

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M

Galsworthy

231413

سلام

Minister Thanks for res

• Luce

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RICHARD LUCE

MKK. 243/2

MEINISTRY

2 5 APR 1985

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FROM:

A C Galsworthy

DATE:

23 April 1985

Sir W Harding

CC:

Dr Wilson

Mr Hartland Swann, SEAD

Mr Lene, UND

News Department

اصله

VIETNAMESE

REFUGEES IN HONG KONG : HONG KONG MEDIA COVERAGE OF

SCORRI REPORT

1.

At our meeting on 18 April, Mr Luce asked us to provide him with

a summary of Hong Kong media coverage of the SCORRI report.

2.

The main points highlighted by the Hong Kong media between 19

and 22 April have been as follows:

(i)

Not

RECOMMENDATION THAT CLOSED CAMP POLICY BE ABOLISHED

suprisingly this recommendation has met with little enthusiasm

in Hong Kong. Legislative Councillors have been particularly

critical. The only notable exception was Urban Councillor Mrs Elsie

Elliot, who has voiced support for the recommendation.

(ii)

RECOMMENDATION THAT HONG KONG SHOULD ACCEPT FOR RESETTLEMENT A

PROPORTION OF ETHNIC CHINESE FROM OPEN CAMPS

The reaction of most commentators has been negative. Only Captain

John McPherson of

the Salvation Army considered this proposal good

in principle, but difficult to implement.

(iii) BRITAIN'S ROLE

There has been little emphasis on SCORRI's recommendation that

Britain should relax its immigration rules in order to encourage

other countries to take more refugees. Regardless of how other

countries might be brought to increase their quotas Britain is,

however, heavily criticised for not doing more to help. An article

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