ANNEX A TO XCCI (88)80
For information
(4.11.88)
XCCI (88)75 Copy No
NOTE FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
SECOND ROUND OF TALKS ON VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE
INTRODUCTION
The second round of discussions with the Vietnamese Government on a comprehensive solution to the problems caused by Vietnamese Boat People (VBP) in Hong Kong will take place on 11 and 12 October in London. The joint UK/HK negotiating team will be led by Mr
led by Mr Robin McLaren of the FCO and will include the Political Adviser (Mr Clift) and
(Mr Clift) and the Secretary for Security (Mr Barnes). This information note describes the background to the talks and outlines the UK/HK negotiating objectives.
BACKGROUND
2
In early July 1988 the Vietnamese Government suggested talks aimed at finding a solution to the VBP problem and the first round of discussions took place in Hanoi on 3-4 August. The UK/HK negotiating objectives on
that occasion were
-
(a) to persuade the Vietnamese to accept repatriation of all screened-out VBP arriving in Hong Kong after 16 June 1988 and to guarantee that they would be treated humanely in Vietnam; and
(b)
to ensure that the exodus of VBP from Vietnam would stop.
The outcome of the first round of discussions was reported to Members in memorandum XCCI (88)55. Useful progress was made at this first round of talks in setting the agenda and identifying the issues for further discussions. The main point of contention was the Vietnamese insistence on repatriation on a voluntary basis;
but there were indications that they would be prepared to be flexible on this point provided the other terms were satisfactory to them.
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The key issue here, raised explicitly, was the question of reintegration assistance. It now seems certain that some form of
form of financial assistance directed at those be returned will be a necessary condition of any comprehensive settlement. However, it has been made clear to