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entirely unexpected) that we have this difficulty in carrying UNHCR
with us, at least at the present initial stage. But I can see no
alternative to our authorising the Hong Kong Government to go ahead,
while explaining carefully to UNHCR why there really is no
alternative. This is the line advocated in the draft minute to
colleagues.
4.
I have discussed the substance of the UKMIS telegram with the
Secretary for Security in Hong Kong. His immediate reaction was
identical to mine. We can expect a telegram from Hong Kong tomorrow
morning confirming this position in strong terms. This will enable us to make any necessary addition to the draft minute before it
issues. It is important to keep to the timetable and get the minute
into the Prime Minister's weekend box.
5. The draft concentrates on our immediate objective of enabling the Hong Kong Government to go rapidly aheady with the introduction of its new policy. But it also puts down a clear marker, as I
believe it must, that the resettlement dimension will also have to
be addressed. As the draft points out we will face strong pressure
from Hong Kong and much more widely to make a further resettlement
offer, and strong criticism if we resist. If the Secretary of State is content, I propose to arrange a meeting with the Home Office early next week to consider the scope and composition of a future
resettlement commitment.
6. I attach the following papers as background to this submission:
B
(i) the Secretary of State's minute of 17 May to the Prime
Minister;
C
D
(ii) Mr Powell's letter of 18 May, containing the Prime Minister's
reaction;
(iii) my submission of 25 May, explaining the resettlement angle
more fully.
Crtan
CO Hum
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The