CONFIDENTIAL
[With officials, ExCo, OMELCO]
Understand pressures on Hong Kong from new influx have been
enormous. Hong Kong has coped with great efficiency.
Colleagues readily endorsed new policy proposed by Hong Kong
Government. First reactions in Hong Kong?
We are doing all we can to help new policy work.
Taking every opportunity to press Vietnamese to accept their people back. Secretary of State/Co Thach: representations in Hanoi,
London, Geneva.
Encouraging other governments (resettlement countries, EC,
ASEAN) to do the same. They are giving growing support. Pressure
is building up on Vietnam.
Supporting UNHCR's action with Vietnamese over repatriation.
No easy solution. But some evidence that Vietnamese feel
under pressure on a number of fronts (political, economic):
recognise need to show greater flexibility in their policies.
New resettlement?
Recognise resettlement remains one important aspect of our
response to problem. Our existing programme of resettlement is continuing. We are continuing to examine all aspects of the
problem. I shall report views on my return.
We take every opportunity to encourage others to step up their
levels of resettlement.
More financial support
Recognise that costs for Hong Kong have increased
dramatically. We have brought to attention of UNHCR strength of feeling in Hong Kong: in contact with them over future allocation of
resources to Hong Kong.
But UNHCR is under pressure from many sources. Difficult to
change the balance dramatically in Hong Kong's favour.
We already make substantial contribution (£17 million) each
year to UNHCR for use amoung refugees.
CONFIDENTIAL