In taking this decision we are sending the clearest
possible signal to those in Vietnam who may have purely
economic motives for contemplating unauthorised departure by sea. They must understand that this is a voyage that can only lead to detention in Hong Kong and ultimately to
their return to their own country.
Her Majesty's Government are pressing for arrangements
with the Vietnamese authorities to enable those who are
found not to be genuine refugees to be sent back to Vietnam
under suitable guarantees about the treatment they will
receive. In New York on 7 June I urged the Vietnamese
Foreign Minister to take steps to reduce unauthorised departures and to take back those who have no prospect of resettlement
elsewhere. I saw the Chinese and Soviet Foreign Ministers
in New York and stressed the gravity of the problem of the
boat people with both of them.
This is not of course a complete solution. There is
economic prices, a limit to what can be done until circumstances and official
and other circumstances attitudes/change in Vietnam itself. We are now in touch with all the resettlement countries, UNHCR and the countries
of the region about the change of policy and the way forward.
We are impressing upon the international community the need
for concerted action to deal with the problem at source and
to find a lasting solution to this human tragedy. Her
Majesty's Government will devote their unceasing efforts
to this end.