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In Confidence
DSR 11C (Revised 5/87)
We have been doing all we can to try to contain the
problem and to help Hong Kong cope with it. We have been
pressing the Vietnamese to take effective measures to
stop the departures; we have been urging the Chinese to
dissuade boat people who call at Chinese ports en route
from Hong Kong from continuing their journey;
and we
are
working for a successful outcome to the International
Conference on Indo-Chinese Re fugees in June, which we
hope will lay the basis for a comprehensive long term
solution, including the repatriation to Vietnam of all
those who do not qualify as refugees. But it will take
working time before results become apparent. We are pressing for
agreement to early mandatory repatriation as the ONLY
effective means of tackling the problem of
non-refugees and deterring further departures.
other governments (including the United States and
Vietnam) as well as UNHCR are insisting that only
volunteers should be sent back at this stage.
therefore a real danger that the outcome of the
Conference will be seen in Hong Kong as failing to match
up to the seriousness of the problem.
But
There is
That will serve
only to aggravate the situation in the territory.
Against this extremely worrying background I have
asked my officials to consider what the financial
implications for the Government are likely to be. Given
all the uncertainties, it is impossible to give a precise
indication at this stage. But I believe that it may be
necessary for us to contribute in any of the following
ways:
one or more