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4. On (a), the delegation may press Lord Glenarthur to confirm
whether we intend to force non-refugees to return to Vietnam.
That
is the logic of the Hong Kong Government's new policy. But this is
a difficult area on which many in this country and elsewhere have
reservations. The attached brief proposes a line which does not
confirm in terms that we will force people to return, but
concentrates instead on the logic of the situation and the fact that
there is no future for such people other than in Vietnam. This is
consistent with the line taken by the Secretary of State when he was interviewed by Thames Television for the "This Week" programme on Vietnamese boat people in Hong Kong which is to be shown tonight.
5. On (b), the delegation may cite examples of people who have been
badly treated in Vietnam. Such people will be those who have been
caught trying to leave Vietnam, rather than those who will be
returned in future. We would not in any way wish to condone severe
action against those trying to leave (the real "culprits" are those
who organise clandestine departures), but the brief concentrates on
assurances we have been given concerning those who return.
A 6. A transcript of the Thames Television interview is attached.
The main thrust of the questions concerned forced repatriation.
The producers of the programme have indicated that they will
concentrate on the two sections which have been sidelined.
B
An article in today's Daily Mail previews the programme and refers
to tomorrow's call on Lord Glenarthur by the delegation.
Colten
CO Hum
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