CONFIDENTIAL
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG
Draft speaking note
The Chief Secretary will have seen Mr Powell's letter of 5 June,
(attached) recording the Prime Minister's view that we should offer
more financial assistance to help Hong Kong cope with boat people.
Foreign Secretary strongly agrees: this would be very well
received in Hong Kong at this difficult time. Boat people crisis is desperately serious. Mood in Hong Kong has been further aggravated
by events in China.
Immediate agreement to full package recommended in the Foreign Secretary's minute of 2 June would enable conversion of Lei Yue Mung barracks to go ahead without delay. Would provide accommodation for
7,000 people.
+
Governor will be meeting ExCo tomorrow. Important to confirm agreement now to achieve maximum impact.
Other expenditure implications would still need to be
considered by do on
8 June
ده
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CONFIDENTIAL