DURABLE SOLUTIONS
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Resettlement alone is not the answer to Hong Kong's refugee
problem. The orderly departure programme offers one mechanism to
reduce the pressure for illegal departures. We are pleased that
this programme has restarted. In 1987 over 160 Vietnamese arrived in Britain under the programme.
However there is no doubt that the long-term solution to the
problem lies in the creation of acceptable conditions in Vietnam
to enable the return to Vietnam of those whose reason for leaving is essentially economic. This is a view which is increasingly shared
by other governments. We are in contact with the United Nations
High Commissioner for Refugees and with the main resettlement
countries on this question. There is now active international
discussion of the possibility of returning to Vietnam under suitable
safeguards those who do not meet the criteria of refugees.
CONTACT WITH VIETNAM
We maintain regular diplomatic contact with Vietnam. Refugee issues are naturally one of the topics discussed. So far I have to say that there has been no indication of willingness on the part of
the Vietnamese authorities to accept back those who have left, other
than on a very limited case by case basis. It will not be easy to
reach acceptable and agreed arrangements covering those who are
not regarded as genuine refugees.
The problem will not be solved quickly. But we have detected a
growing international recognition of its nature. We hope that this
change in international perceptions will result in the kind of
arrangements we are seeking. We shall continue to play an active part in international discussions on the issue, in full recognition
of our special responsibility for Hong Kong.
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