ARPAKA
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CONFIDENTIAL
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Mr Ham, His
Rank you
Rate
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ния 24318
Private Secretary
зы
"N 1 Cr 13%
1416
From: C O Hum
257
--8 Ju
Hong Kong Department
Date: 8 June 1988 !!
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CC:
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PS/Lord Glenarthurg
Mr Gillmore
Mr McLaren
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Mr Colvin, SEAD
Mr Williams, UND
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG: IMPLEMENTATION DATE
1. The Secretary of State has asked whether it would be possible to
bring forward the date of implementation of the new policy of screening on arrival, now that it has been approved by Ministers.
2. We have consulted the Governor. He agrees that an earlier
implementation date would have advantages. But he does not think that this could be done in practice. There is a tight timetable for
advance briefing of the UNHCR and of other governments with an
interest in the issue. There is a considerable amount of pratical
preparation to be done in Hong Kong. Another important factor is
the desirablility of the announcement being made at the next Legco
meeting, which is due to take place on 15 June.
3. I attach a piece of paper setting out the planned timetable for action before implementation and elaborating on the points in the
preceding paragraph. I think the conclusion must be that there is realistically no scope for the new policy to be announced and
implemented earlier than planned. Earlier announcement would leave
loose ends which could seriously affect both international
presentation and practical implementation.
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