SUPAAL
ED
C. VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
15 FURTHER RESETTLEMENT IN UK/PRESSURE FROM HONG KONG
Well aware of great concern in Hong Kong about this issue. conscious of our responsibility to territory. Doing everything possible to help relieve Hong Kong of its refugee burden.
+ secure durable solution to where VR problem.
Very
Our latest decision to accept a further 468 Vietnamese refugees from Hong Kong significant commitment, given pressures and constraints. At this stage our resettlement commitments have been extended as far as possible. Cannot at present announce any further
moves.
16
Must not forget our record; 20,000 Indo-Chinese for resettlement here since 1975. Nearly 13,000 of these Vietnamese refugees
from Hong Kong.
RATE OF INTAKE INTO BRITAIN
Resettlement of refugees primarily matter for my rt hon.
Friend
the Home Secretary.
Understand reception of refugees puts considerable demands on local resources. Is judged that gradual flow of around 20 a month is most easily handled.
The voluntary agencies have an important role to play. Government ensures that they receive adequate financial support.
RESETTLEMENT ELSEWHERE
-
Following our recent initiative, our diplomatic campaign for further resettlement places for refugees from Hong Kong a major priority. Have received some encouraging responses, some additional
But places have been offered as a result of our representations. often the response is disappointing.
Assure the House we will persist in efforts to persuade resettlement countries to do more for Hong Kong.
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