On the Vietnamese boat people question, Members welcomed the clear recommendation in the Report that those who are screened out as non-refugees should be repatriated to Vietnam, and expressed appreciation for the Government's readiness to take up the issue with Vietnam. But there was much resentment of the fact that Hong kong continues to have to shoulder the heavy burden of the boat people.
The debate took place one month after the events of 3/4 June in China and one day after the former Foreign Secretary's visit to the territory. Feelings were running high, particularly on the right of abode issue. The recommendations of the Foreign Affairs Committee Report about right of abode were a further blow to morale in Hong Kong. It is therefore understandable that much of the criticism expressed by Members in the debate should have been focussed on Britain at that time. There is however some evidence that life in Hong Kong is beginning to return to normal, and although people there remain deeply anxious about the future, emotions are not as intense as they were at the time of the Legislative Council debate.
We will be responding formally to the Foreign Affairs Committee's report in the autumn. In the meantime, there is no need for the Prime Minister to send a detailed response to the various points raised by the Legislative Council on the Report. The draft reply is therefore couched in general terms and sets out the Government's position on the main issues on lines which the Prime Minister has already approved.
Dominic Morris Esq 10 Downing Street
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Rechend Soney
(RH T Gozney) Private Secretary