CONFIDENTIAL
CABINET MEETING: THURSDAY 20 OCTOBER
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE
Points to Make
COHAHP
1.
Second round of talks with Vietnamese held on 11-12 October
in London to discuss return of boat people from Hong Kong. Outcome:
agreement that comprehensive arrangements are needed to cover
all non-refugees:
agreement, as a first step, to concentrate on return of those who have asked to go back. 350 have applied: hope many more
will now do so.
agreement that modest reintegration assistance should be provided for returnees. UNHCR will administer programme:
will also monitor Vietnamese guarantees of good treatment
for returnees.
Mixed press coverage in We are actively countering allegations that our policy is
Will continue to emphasise:
2.
Outcome well received in Hong Kong.
Britain.
inhumane.
3.
in accordance with international practice on treatment of
illegal immigrants:
UNHCR support policy and will run repatriation programme: boat people screened according to UNHCR criteria to distinguish political refugees from economic migrants.
Arrivals in Hong Kong have dropped substantially. Only 23 over past month. Deterrent effect of our new policy is important
factor.
[defensive only]
Now effectively a finite number of refugees awaiting resettlement. About 15,000 - a heavy burden for Hong Kong. We are considering with Home Office what assistance we might give, consistent with our responsibilities for Hong Kong.
CONFIDENTIAL