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EC ASIA WORKING GROUP MEETING, BRUSSELS: 19-20 MAY
INDO-CHINESE REFUGEES
A FCO Telno 110 to Jakarta (EC/ASEAN Meeting) Paras 7-8
B Coreu CPE/SEC 242 (EC/ASEAN COMMUNIQUÉ) Para 8
Essential Facts
1.
Currently over 12,000 Vietnamese boat people in Hong Kong largest number outside Thailand and more arriving daily.
2. Resettlement slowing, partly as result of belief in main resettlement countries that many now fleeing for economic motives, rather than in fear of persecution. Frustrated by slow down in resettlement, upsurge in arrivals, Thailand resorted to policy of "pushing-off" new arrivals early this year. Has now amended its stance, allowing arrivals to be housed at Site 2 refugee camp, but they will not be allowed access to resettlement places. Hardline policy has sympathy, if not active support, of rest of ASEAN, which regards Western countries as having responsibility to resettle continuing outflow. ASEAN also increasingly regards current departures as "economic migrants", not genuine refugees. Hong Kong authorities coming under increasing pressure to take similar action, especially as rate of arrivals has increased considerably following introduction of new Thai policy.
3. New measures in Hong Kong now contemplated. We have also urged Vietnamese authorities to take steps to control outflow (McLaren called in Vietnamese Ambassador on 6 May). In search for more effective solutions, are also consulting with main resettlement countries to see if scope exists for multilateral approach to help remedy situation. A concerted approach by EC would be in line with this, and consistent with agreement reached at Duesseldorf meeting. May also serve to encourage ASEAN to make similar approaches.
SOUTH EAST ASIAN DEPARTMENT
MAY 1988
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