NITAAH(3)
CONFIDENTIAL
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D : Vietnamese Boat People
Very concerned about situation in Hong Kong (rioting in camps, cholera, local resistance to construction of new accommodation).
Well aware of growing public frustration in Hong Kong and
political pressures for early and effective action on mandatory
repatriation or abandonment of first asylum.
Hope that no radical action will be taken as that will not
provide a solution and could alienate international support. Do not
wish to destroy delicate international consensus achieved at Geneva
Conference, which still offers best hope for comprehensive solution.
But unless there is dramatic increase in number of volunteers,
remains our intention to go ahead with mandatory repatriation as
soon as practical arrangements are in place. Essential that
arrangements for return of first group should not go wrong.
CONFIDENTIAL