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acknowledged that there was no ideal answer, we had to draw up a balance. But the Group's new format would reduce the potential for exploitation. We might simultaneously let it be
known publicly that the events of 3/4 June had not been forgotten. Mr Foulkes asked whether the businessmen themselves would publicly regret Chinese government behaviour. Mr Maude said this might be possible, but he had in mind a Government statement. Mr Foulkes agreed that if a
simultaneous public statement was made, this would help reduce the potential for Chinese government propaganda.
5.
Mr Foulkes added that the Labour Party had not invited any Chinese representatives to the Party Conference (the first time in many years). The front bench had also advised Labour MPs not to join in Mr Adley's All-Party Group which planned to visit China in October. Two back benchers had already been approached and had refused (but he admitted that some Labour MPs might be tempted to go).
Hong Kong/VBP
6. Mr Foulkes said that it was important to negotiate firmly with the Chinese. It was the only way to get them to back down. Mr Maude said he agreed in principle, but it was important always to leave them an escape route so as to avoid losing face. He said that a whole range of difficult issues would need to be faced, most notably the VBP and nationality. He hoped Mr Foulkes would keep in touch, as there was not much scope for Party politics on these issues. Mr Foulkes agreed. Mr Kaufman and he had been very shocked by the appalling conditions in the VBP camps in Hong Kong. Mr Kaufman in particular had been annoyed that Hong Kong was asking the rest of the world to make commitments to receive Hong Kong refugees, when Hong Kong was unwilling to assimilate 50,000 Vietnamese.
7.
Mr Maude said that it was important to distinguish between genuine refugees and economic migrants. We employed a screening process in Hong Kong under UNHCR auspices. This showed that only about 10% of the VBP were genuine refugees. We faced difficult decisions in dealing with the others. Mr Foulkes argued that increasing economic assistance to Vietnam would help stem the flow of refugees. He hoped the UK would take the lead on this. He referred also to proposals for a regional holding camp in the Philippines. Mr Maude pointed out that this was only for genuine refugees. Even if the flow of new refugees from Vietnam stopped immediately, there would still be about 35,000 screened out remaining in Hong Kong. They had to be returned to Vietnam. Mr Foulkes said that an international effort was required so that long-term refugees should be settled quickly. Mr Maude agreed. Mr Foulkes acknowledged that the screened-out boat people were a problem. But the Labour Party was strongly
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