AID TO VIETNAM
We
No questions of bilateral aid to Vietnamese Government.
are, however, making humanitarian contribution of $US 125,000 to
UNHCR reintegration assistance programme for returnees. Modest
practical assistance to enable those who return to settle successfully back into their communities. Very important that repatriation programme is implemented smoothly. Will encourage
others to step forward.
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INDO CHINESE REFUGEES
The ASEAN countries have proposed the convening of an international conference later this year to address the general problem of boat people and Indo Chinese refugees in South East Asia.
This is a helpful development.
attend such a conference.
HMG has said tht it would
It is important that it be well-prepared if the conference is to be a success.
STATUS OF REFUGEES AFTER 1997
Our firm intention that Vietnamese refugee problem in Hong Kong
should be resolved well before 1997.
Joint Declaration on future of Hong Kong provides for continuation after 30 June 1997 of Hong Kong's present social and
legal systems. Any refugees then in Hong Kong should thus retain
their current status.