XCSI (88) 1
PUBLIC REACTION
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Locally, the tougher line being followed by the Government will be welcomed by the LegCo Ad Hoc Group and the general public alike, although it may be queried as not going far enough. Local humanitarian groups and voluntary workers can be expected to voice misgivings about the policy's operation from time to time, and those criticisms will be picked up by the overseas media. In the longer term, concern is likely to surface about the effectiveness of the new policy, prospects for repatriation, the cost of maintaining the detention centres and security in the camps.
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Overseas reaction is likely to be mixed. There will be some understanding of Hong Kong's position, as many countries around the world have had experience of the difficulties brought about by waves of refugees and non-authorised immigrants. However, some criticism can also be expected because of the proposed indefinite detention of those screened out and about the conditions in which they will be held. There will also be concern about the screening and appeals machinery.
process
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PUBLICITY
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Different publicity lines will be needed for use with people in Vietnam, the local Hong Kong public, and the international community. A proposed publicity plan is at Annex C.
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All voluntary agencies working with refugees will be informed of the new procedures on the afternoon of 15 June, at the same time that District Officers are briefed, immediately after the announcement in LegCo.
DIPLOMATIC CAMPAIGN
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A diplomatic campaign will be undertaken by HMG on Hong Kong's behalf to gain international acceptance of and assistance for the new policy. A proposed plan of the campaign
D
is at Annex D.
H