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IMMEDIATE
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ZC ZC
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CONFIDENTIAL
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FM
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FM FCO
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TO IMMEDIATE HONG KONG
TELNO
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TELNO
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OF 28171OZ APRIL 88
AND TO
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INFO IMMEDIATE UKMIS GENEVA
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YOUR TELNOS 1539-1598: VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE
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We have sought the preliminary views of Ministers on the
ideas set out in TURS.
2.
Ministers recognise that the deteriorating situation which you face imposes a need to review alternative policy options. They are content for you to explore further the implications of a policy under which those new arrivals not (not) considered to be refugees would be detained as illegal immigrants pending eventual
a component repatriation to Vietnam. They attach importance, as
as to of that policy, to arrangements for screening on arrival so identify those who meet the recognised criteria to be treated as
They refugees and make appropriate arrangements for them. recognise that this will lessen the deterrent effect of a change of policy: but they believe that this is a price that must be paid for an approach which is politically and legally defensible. 3. Ministers have however very conscious of the risks for Hong Kong in the adoption of such a policy, and of the domestic and international criticism that it is bound to incur They would
mad with great cave,) ronce therefore wish to consider the matter further once
eady you are
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