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Date:
CC:
PS/Mr Maude
25 October 1989
PS
PS/Mrs Chalker Mr Gillmore
Mr McLaren
Miss Marsden, HKD News Dept
CALL BY MR FOULKES MP: VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE
1.
You attended the call on Mr Maude this morning by Mr Foulkes, who wanted to ask about recent media reports of an announcement on compulsory repatriation.
2. Mr Maude said that HMG was still relying on voluntary repatriation, but an involuntary scheme might be necessary. Mr Foulkes said that the Labour party was not against encouraging the refugees to return but wanted to see a systematic programme of persuasion, rather than a resort to force. Mr Maude doubted whether persuasion would be enough. There were well recognised procedures for returning illegal immigrants. If we said that force would not be used in any circumstances, the deterrent effect would be lost. He confirmed that HMG was working on arrangements for supervising and monitoring those who returned to Vietnam. Mr Foulkes said that Mr Dubs considered returning refugees would be safe. Mr Colvin suggested that voluntary repatriation would resume when the refugees realised that there was no alternative.
3.
Mr Foulkes asked whether resettlement of pre 16 June 1988 refugees was slowing down. He was pleased to hear that the programme for clearance within 3 years was slightly ahead of target.
4. Mr Maude confirmed that HMG was looking at the possiblility of aid to Vietnam to assist repatriation. and Japan were also contributing to the UNHCR funding.
4
The UK
5. Mr Foulkes asked where HMG stood on the question of nationality and the right of abode in the UK for Hong Kong people. Mr Maude said that we were working on the package. He was aware of Mr Kaufman's views on singling out categories of people. The scheme would obviously take account of the vulnerability of individuals. But it had to focus on people
(both in the private and public sector) essential to the continued success of Hong Kong by providing them with the confidence to stay. The assurances given to them would have to be honoured by any future Government. In response to a question from Mr Foulkes, Mr Maude said that the package would
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