CONFIDENTIAL
But the Hong Kong Government believe, and we agree, that these
centres are a regrettable necessity.
Hong Kong Government and British Government attach great importance to ensuring that conditions in the centres are as humane
as possible.
AFGHAN REFUGEES
Encouraged by Gorbachev's statement of 8 February to withdraw Soviet troops. But we still aim for a comprehensive settlement involving the return of the refugees.
Not
Obvious
- Return of refugees should be facilitated wherever possible. certain that all refugees will return. Settlement could go
wrong. Many have found jobs or have settled in Pakistan.
risk of social disruption if refugees do return. Fear that some refugee problem likely to persist for some time.
SRI LANKA: TAMIL REFUGEES
(If raised)
Indian Government has returned more than 1500 Tamils from Tamil
Nadu to Sri Lanka since Christmas. Many more to follow.
Britain has now returned six Tamil asylum-seekers to Sri Lanka. Their cases for asylum were fully and carefully considered by the
Home Office under UNHCR procedural guidelines. UNHCR office in
London was kept in the picture and their appeals were considered by
the House of Lords. We were unable to establish a case for refugee status or exceptional leave to remain in the UK. As failed asylum
seekers, we do not regard them as of concern to UNHCR.
MOZAMBIQUE: (if raised)
Deeply concerned about increasing outflows of refugees from Mozambique and the pressure on neighbouring states. Security situation in Mozambique seems to have deteriorated recently.
CONFIDENTIAL