FCS/85/140
HKD
CONFIDENTIAL
st:
PS/MILUCE
уп PS/PUS
Sir lottarding
Dr wüson
SEAD
MKK 243/5
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
2 ? MAY 1985
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8B25
243/5.
178
Vietnamese Refugees in Hong Kong: Seetri Report and Future Policy
1. In recent months FCO officials in conjunction with the
Hong Kong Government have carried out a study of the problem
of Vietnamese refugees in Hong Kong, and have prepared the enclosed paper. The paper sets out the factual position,
predicts how it will develop if matters are allowed to ride,
and examines the various options available. It was not specifically
prepared in connection with the SCORRI report, but in my
view serves as a suitable basis for deciding our policy and
hence our reaction to SCORRIS recommendations. There is growing Parliamentary pressure on the Government to devise a strategy
for dealing with the problem, as the two recent Adjournment
debates (on 9 and 14 May) have shown.
Background
2. The paper's general prognosis (paras 12-13) is that unless
there is early action to contain the problem, the situation
is likely to deteriorate. On reasonable assumptions it could
deteriorate quite rapidly between now and 1988. We could
eventually face rioting in the camps: such a situation, besides
creating difficult security problems and much human misery,
would certainly result in widespread criticism or condemnation
of HMG, who would generally be seen as responsible. We
cannot avoid our constitutional responsibility for Hong Kong. For these reasons a policy of inaction at this stage seems
neither viable nor sensible.
3.
On the other hand there are no easy options, nor can
we say with any certainty that any of the courses of action
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