CONFIDENTIAL
DSR 11C
response of other resettlement countries to Hong Kong's needs: they have responded positively, but they will have little incentive to maintain their commitment unless HMG, with direct responsibility for Hong Kong, shows the way.
Another relevant contribution is that the present welcome reduction in Hong Kong's refugee population will be
-
from enough
sidera
to clear Hong Kong's camps: indeed the
population could even
begin to rise again next year
unless a fresh impetus is given to the
resettlement effort.
international
9. We need to reach a decision on further resettlement
before the present "SCORRI" intake comes to an end. This
will ensure that the apparatus needed to deal with any
further offtake is still in place and that such an
offtake could be handled without the start-up delays that
inevitably followed our relaxation of the family reunion
It would also enable us to maintain the
momentum of our current campaign to persuade others to do
more for Hong Kong as well.
criteria.
10.
As a first step I
suggest that we might meet to
review the position and consider what form an extended
resettlement programme would best take. I should be
happy to hold a meeting here in the FCO, or to come to
Lunar House if you prefer.
CONFIDENTIAL