CONFIDENTIAL
FROM:
HKB 2+3/11
DATE:
Mr Paul, HKD
CC:
PS/Lord Glenarthur
1 June 1989
Private Secretary
PS/Mr Patten
PS/PUS
Mr Gillmore
Mr McLaren
Mr Blatherwick Mr Colvin, SEAD Mr Crabbie, RMD
47
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE: ACCOMMODATION
1. As we have discussed, Lord Glenarthur is concerned that we should do everything possible to respond swiftly and positively to the Governor's appeal for tents in his telegram no 1772. Having spoken last evening to Mr Hamilton (as mentioned in FCO telegram no 1152 to Hong Kong), Lord Glenarthur this morning spoke also to Mr Patten. Both Ministers very helpfully agreed to ensure that their respective officials were giving this high priority. doubtless following up on this.
You are
2. There appears to be a reasonable chance of finding enough tents in the next day or so to provide at least a respectable interim reponse to Hong Kong's appeal. The rub, of course, is the question of finance. Lord Glenarthur and Mr Patten agreed that this required an early call on the contingency reserve. Mr Peirce has put the Chief Secretary's office on notice that we may soon be following up the Secretary of State's minute with a specific bid for resources. You kindly agreed to have an urgent look at this.
3.
As we discussed, however, Lord Glenarthur's clear priority is to ensure that, however the funding point is handled, the tents get to Hong Kong as soon as possible.
Robert Cout
Robert Court
PS/Lord Glenarthur
CONFIDENTIAL