2
-3-
8. I HAVE NOW SEEN FOR MYSELF HOW THE NEW POLICY IS
BEING IMPLEMENTED.
I HAVE BEEN GREATLY IMPRESSED BY
THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS SET UP SINCE 16 JUNE AND THE
DEDICATION AND PROFESSIONALISM OF THE STAFF INVOLVED.
IT IS OF COURSE TOO EARLY TO ASSESS THE EFFECT ON THE
NUMBERS OF ARRIVALS.
BUT THOSE THINKING OF SETTING OFF
FOR HONG KONG FROM VIETNAM TO IMPROVE THEIR ECONOMIC
SITUATION SHOULD CLEARLY UNDERSTAND ONE THING: HOWEVER
LONG IT TAKES THEY WILL BE SENT BACK TO THEIR OWN
COUNTRY.
IT IS NO GOOD THEIR THINKING THAT HONG KONG
IS ANY LONGER A STAGING POST TO A NEW LIFE ELSEWHERE.
9. THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAVE BEEN VERY ACTIVE IN
EXPLAINING THE NEW POLICY, SECURING SUPPORT FOR IT, AND
BRINGING INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE TO BEAR ON VIETNAM.
THE FOREIGN SECRETARY HAS SPOKEN PERSONALLY TO THE
VIETNAMESE, SOVIET AND CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTERS.
AND
AS I'VE SAID, I HAVE DISCUSSED THE PROBLEM IN MY TALKS
IN PEKING. WE HAVE BEEN KEEPING UP THE PRESSURE ON THE
VIETNAMESE IN LONDON AND HANOI, TO URGE THEM TO TAKE
BACK THEIR ECONOMIC MIGRANTS.
ONE THING IS CERTAIN:
THE KEY TO A LASTING SOLUTION LIES FIRST AND FOREMOST
WITH VIETNAM.
./3