16/05/89 16:27
MADACA (2)-
O.D. A LONDON.
NO 012-
-004
We have been doing all we can to help Hong Kong to cope with this immensely difficult problem. We have been pressing the Vietnamese to take effective action to stop clandestine departures,
and we have been urging the Chinese to take more effective measures to dissuade boat people who call at Chinese ports from going on to Hong Kong. We are also working for a successful outcome to the .
International Conference on Indo-Chinese Refugees next month, which we hope will provide a viable long-term solution. Some progress has
been made, but it will take time before results become apparent.
In the meantime we have also provided financial assistance to relieve the immediate pressure on Hong Kong, Earlier this year the ODA contributed El million to UNHCR's general programme in Hong Kong and US$125,000 towards the cost of monitoring the voluntary repatriation programme, The ODA are now contributing £6 million to the appeal just launched by UNCHR's appeal to cover the capital costs of the Pillar Point-refugee centres in Hong Kong. ODA have also just responded to a direct appeal from Hong Kong for help over emergency accommodation by flying out tents on an emergency basis to
provide accommodation for up to 5,000 people, at the cost of
£250,000 By channelling most of our financial assistance via
UNHCR, we have also encouraged other countries to contribute.
The costs to Hong Kong are nevertheless quite formidable. The Hong Kong Government has already committed nearly £60 million in the current financial year. If arrivals continue at their present rate, substantial additional sums will be needed. The most urgent priorities are likely to be:
(a) additional emergency accommodation (more tents; conversion of barracks and other buildings into temporary accommodation for new arrivals).
(b) additional permanent accommodation (construction of
purpose-built detention centres).
(c) additional staff to run the new centres and to speed up the screening and appeals procedure.
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