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(iv) Hong Kong to proceed with
final identification of
candidates for first
deportation.
(v) Hong Kong to provide HMG
with careful assessment of
likelihood that first
deportation exercise will
succeed.
(vi) 30 October
First deportation.
(c) Timetable after First Deportation
(i) It is not impossible to predict a timetable for future deportations of VBPS after the first has taken place, even if
that were to be on 30 October. Under the terms of the
agreement we signed with Vietnam on 26 June, "the process (of deportations) will continue with such modifications as both
sides consider necessary". And, in the Agreed Minute we hope
to sign with the Vietnamese at SC3 on 16-17 October, we will
commit ourselves after the first deportation to further
discussions with the Vietnamese before future deportations take
place. No dates have been fixed for these discussions and no proposal for talks is likely until the first deportations have
taken place.
(ii) Neither it is possible to predict how long these
discussions might last before further deportations can take place. Depending on the outcome of the first deportation, both sides may suggest changes to the procedures adopted on that occasion including the level of payments to returning VBPS.
But the Vietnamese will almost certainly also raise the question of British development aid, in line with the wording in the Agreement of 26 June. This issue could well hold up the finalisation of arrangements for future deportations and, in
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