8.
In the past one powerful argument against a new resettlement
commitment has been the fear that this would induce even greater
numbers of people to leave Vietnam in the hope of resettlement in
the West. We believe that our success so far in getting across
the deterrent message of the screening/repatriation policy has
substantially reduced this risk.
9. We have also carefully considered whether our reception
facilities and statutory services could deal with an increase
flow of refugees. The voluntary agencies argue that they could
cope with as many as 60 per month (as opposed to 20 per month at
present). We are more cautious. The agencies and statutory
services have not coped with such numbers in recent years though
they did manage 40 per month during parts of 1985-86 and 1986-87
without undue difficulties. We judge it right to go for about 40
per month again. If sustained over a period of 2 years from now
this would amount to an additional commitment of 1,000.
Details
of a possible package on these lines are set out in an annex to
this minute.
10. The proposed package seeks to take in both people who have a
greater ability to adapt to life in this country and to make a
success of the opportunity we are offering and also the
longstayers for whom the humanitarian case is strongest. The
Hong Kong government have offered to assist in identifying
suitable candidates for us. Among those with potential to settle
here, the Training Agency will be able to help with guidance on
the assessments on which final selection will be made by
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