15
benefits to Hong Kong of providing a RASRO transit centre would be significant with no cost to Hong Kong. It is proposed that negotiations be opened with the UNHCR to agree the details of the RASRO transit centre and the conditions under which it would operate. Members' advice will be sought on any provisional agreement reached.
Financial and staffing implications
16
There are
no additional financial or staffing implications arising from the proposal to set up а RASRO transit centre in Hong Kong along the lines set out in the foregoing paragraphs.
Public reaction
17
Given that the number of refugees who would use the RASRO transit centre at any one time would be limited to 100, that the time they would be there would be limited to six months, and that they would be accommodated in one of the existing centres at no cost to the Hong Kong
to the Hong Kong Government, the proposal is unlikely to attract unfavourable public attention, with careful presentation.
Publicity
18
Publicity will stress the potential benefits to Hong Kong and the favourable reactions of the resettlement countries to a decision by Hong Kong
decision by Hong Kong to establish a RASRO transit centre. The fact that there will be no call on Hong Kong's resources will be emphasised. The fact that both the number of refugees using the transit centre and the length of their stay will be strictly limited, and that there will be no call on Hong Kong's resources, will be emphasised.
Advice sought
19
Members are asked to advise whether, in principle, a RASRO transit centre along the lines set out in paragraphs 11 to 14 above should be established in Hong Kong and negotiations should be opened with the UNHCR on the details with a view to seeking Members'
Members' advice on any provisional
agreement reached.
(The Secretary for Security, Mr D.G. JEAFFRESON, will attend before the Council for the discussion of this item.)
24 January 1986
(L/M to SRD 405/1/C IV)
COUNCIL CHAMBER