ROF ABU
CONFIDENTIAL
VISIT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG TO LONDON: 21-23 FEBRUARY 1989
22 FEBRUARY
B: VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE
Objective
To discuss confirmation of our conditional resettlement decision, to
exchange views with the Governor on other aspects of the problem
(attitude of UNHCR, situation in camps, attitude of Chinese).
Points to make
Pleased that the Prime Minister has now agreed that our
commitment to take 1,000 Vietnamese refugees can be confirmed.
am sure she will wish to discuss this with you this afternoon.
Assume you will wish to make announcement after your call.
I
P
Need to make the most of the International Conference on
Indo-Chinese refugees. Prospects?
All seems clear, at last, for repatriation of first batch of
volunteers. Major step forward. But worrying letter from UNHCR
about screening Must keep them on side. Is this a serious problem?
Seen report that some boat people are refusing to participate in
the screening procedures and have asked for boats to leave Hong Kong in. How serious is the problem? What implications does it have for
control in the camps?
Concerned at recent Chinese public statements on the problem. Their interest and suspicions will not go away.
CONFIDENTIAL
BOAT PEOPLE
VICTNAMESE