BENADX
HUD 243/5-
CALL ON MR DAVID GILLMORE, DEPUTY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE BY
HE TRAN VAN HUNG, AMBASSADOR OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM
1. Since your call on Mr McLaren on 6 May the situation in Hong Kong has deteriorated substantially. The increasing flow in illegal departures from Vietnam is creating an intolerable burden for Hong Kong. Total numbers in Hong Kong now over 16,000 compared with
about 8,000 one year ago. Over 7,000 arrivals this year.
100 arrivals per day in May, 200 per day so far in June.
2.
Average
The overwhelming majority of recent arrivals are ordinary Vietnamese seeking a better life, but the fact is that there is no realistic possibility of their being resettled. The well-being of such people should be the responsiblity of the Vietnamese Government. It is only right that their future should be in
Vietnam.
3.
The only long term solution is repatriation in line with arrangements for illegal immigrants from other countries.
As from 16 June Hong Kong will adopt a new policy. Boat people arriving from Vietnam will be treated on arrival as illegal
4.
immigrants. All except those later identified as genuine refugees will be detained without access to resettlement pending arrangements
for their repatriation to Vietnam.
5.
We urge Vietnam
to increase efforts to stem the flow of
uncontrolled departures with all the risks to life and uncertain future they involve.
to accept the repatriation of non-refugees and to give
assurances that they will be humanely treated on return.
to cooperate by publicising in Vietnam the change of policy in
Hong Kong
6.
Secretary of State's meeting with Foreign Minister Nguyen in New York. Welcome Foreign Minister's willingness to listen to the problem and to consider arrangements involving return of those who
are not refugees.
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