For information
.11.88)
CONFIDENTIAL
HKD 243/15
Mr Mu Mr Paul
XCCI (88)75 23 PA
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 Robin McLaren of the FCO and will include the Political Adviser (Mr Clift) and the Secretary for Security (Mr Barnes). This information note describes the
to the talks and background
outlines the UK/HK
negotiating objectives.
BACKGROUND
2
suggested
In early July 1988 the Vietnamese Government
talks aimed at
finding a solution to the VBP problem and the first round of discussions took place in Hanoi on
on 3-4 August. The UK/HK
UK/HK negotiating objectives on
that occasion were
(a) to
persuade
the
Vietnamese
to
accept
to
repatriation of all screened-out VBP arriving
after 16 June 1988 and in Hong Kong
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
further discussions. point of contention
repatriation
on
a
for
was
the
voluntary
Vietnamese
basis;
but
The main insistence on
there were
indications that they would be prepared to be flexible on this point provided the other terms were satisfactory to them.
3
The key issue here, raised explicitly,
the question of reintegration assistance. It now seems certain that some form of financial assistance directed at those to be returned will be а necessary comprehensive settlement.
was
of condition
any However, it has been made clear to
CONFIDENTIAL
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