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3.
It is therefore not surprising that many Members have
expressed their concern about the problems of the Vietnamese
in Hong Kong, and in particular the current rate of overseas
resettlement. This is something about which we are of one
mind, and the views of the Administration have again been put
strongly to U.K. ministers, by you, Sir, on your recent visit
to London.
4.
In the current year we expect no more than 2,600
refugees to be resettled. This is slightly better than the
2,200 who were resettled last year, but is of course a far
from satisfactory rate. I can assure Members that the
Administration wastes no opportunity in making this point to
resettlement countries. I believe our best prospect for a
major increase in resettlement quotas lies in the efforts now
being made to organise an international conference next year
on Indo-Chinese refugees. I hope that a package of solutions
will emerge from this process which will include an increase
in the number of refugees resettled from Hong Kong.
5.
The views of Members on the need for a general
increase in resettlement have been conveyed to London, and the
Administration will continue to emphasise the very important
point made by Members that other countries cannot be expected