RESTRICTED
Defensive
(UK intake inadequate?)
5.
UK record on accepting VRS from Hong Kong is a good one. 12,800 resettled in UK since 1975, third highest behind US and Canada. UK (like Hong Kong) has severe immigration pressures of its own. Decision to accept further 468 sign of our commitment to help relieve Hong Kong's burden. Using this as basis for urging other resettlement countries to do more.
(Other countries unwilling to respond?)
6.
Responses so
Doing everything in our power to persuade other countries to accept more Vietnamese refugees for resettlement. far not encouraging, but will persist. Every possible avenue being
explored.
(UK looking for longer-term solutions/repatriation?)
7.
Engaged
Considerable difficulties in finding long-term solution. Key to problem lies with Vietnamese. Repatriation not feasible unless Vietnam will accept it. In our contacts with Vietnamese, no sign of change in their negative attitude to repatriation. in discussions with US/Australia/Canada and UNHCR on durable solutions, including repatriation. Doing what we can to reach the necessary international consensus on approach to Vietnam.
(Proposal by OMELCO members for direct Hong Kong approach to
Vietnam?)
8.
Hong Kong in no practical position to make such an approach. Our soundings of Vietnamese thus far, and contacts with UNHCR who themselves are in touch with Vietnamese authorities, have indicated no Vietnamese willingness to accept back any of those who
have left.
(OMELCO mission to Hanoi?)
9.
Anyone can visit Hanoi (provided Vietnamese provide visas). We would not stand in way of such a mission, but doubt very much if it would provide more positive results than other contacts have
achieved thus far.
RESTRICTED