A
BAGA S(2)
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(b) we do not proceed with returning the first batch until we have exhausted all possibilities of winning at least the
acquiescence of the Americans in what we are doing;
(c) in parallel with our efforts with the Americans, we make a renewed attempt to persuade the UNHCR to assist over monitoring
of returnees and explore the scope for enlisting the help of the
NGOs over this;
(d) we step up counselling in the camps with the aim of encouraging people (a) to volunteer to go back or (b) to acquiesce in the non voluntary programme;
(e) we delay signing the Agreement with the Vietnamese,
explaining all the reasons for doing so;
(f) we launch a campaign to explain the rationale behind our
policy (a) to the UK (and US) media and (b) to other governments
whose support and understanding we need.
4. SEAD and News Department agree. The Hong Kong Government have
not been consulted and we shall need to discuss this strategy with
the Governor when he visits London on 7 August.
Background
5.
The key elements of the present position are as follows
(i)
(ii)
We have now agreed under the terms of our bilateral agreement of 26 June (see para 15) the text of detailed
arrangements with Vietnam for the non forcible repatriation
of the first group of non volunteer boat people from Hong Kong. The Vietnamese are ready to sign it.
There is widespread press speculation (varying degrees of
accuracy) about the contents of the agreement. Partly
because of Vietnam's desire for confidentiality and partly because of Hong Kong's fear of an adverse reaction in the
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