that it
would be highly desirable if we could use that
occasion to make public our readiness, under certain
conditions, to accept a further 1,000 boat people. I
attach the draft of a passage which he proposes should be
included in Mr Eggar's speech in replying to the debate.
It makes clear that we envisage our own further
commitment as part of a wider international effort, and
that we shall be approaching other Governments to seek
matching commitments before we are prepared to go ahead
with our own plans
We shall arrange for an advance text of Mr Eggar's
statement to be given in confidence to Miss Lydia Dunn,
who has written to the Prime Minister on behalf of all
Executive and Legislative Councillors to seek an
additional UK resettlement commitment. We shall submit
very quickly the draft of a letter for the Prime Minister
to send to Miss Dunn. We shall also instruct our Posts
in the main resettlement countries to bring Mr Eggar's
statement to the attention of their host Governments, and
to explain that they will receive instructions to make a
formal approach on the issue very soon after Christmas.
Preparation and co-ordination with the Hong Kong
Government will be necessary if these representations
are to have the maximum impact.
CONFIDENTIAL
/I am