Finally, the last United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees (Mr Hartling) said publicly last year that inside the Bowring Closed Camp he "found the circumstances, the conditions,
very encouraging". In evidence to the Home Affairs Committee UNHCR recognised one of the motives behind
the introduction of the policy that Hong Kong had
(as it still has) a higher proportion of 'long stayers' than other places of first asylum in South East Asia, whose refugees are usually resettled within two years of arrival. We continue to regard
the establishment of the closed camps as a temporary measure, to be retained only for as long as
circumstances require. We shall continue to do all we can to find more desirable, and above all durable, solutions to this sad problem.
GEOFFREY HOWE