CONFIDENTIAL
te bc completed
when HIL replies
(e) a new requirement to establish a temporary improved
camp at Tai a Chau once it is clean.
13. I attach a detailed comparative breakground of the original requirements and the additional requirements for your perusal. My officials have gone through these carefully with HKG. The accommodation will provide about 25,000 places by the end of the year. Much of the works have infact been completed but HKG has now run out of funds to
14. I consider that in all the circumstances described above, HMG must pick up the tab to allow these camps to be completed.
15.
I mentioned in paragraph 2 (c) the need for some £13m at further funds to assist with the construction of a permanent camp on Tai a Chau. This year we were badly caught, having no accommodation available to meet the spring and summer influx. We must not be in same position next year. My officials are still discussing with HKG the exact requirements and I shall need to revert to you shortly with a detailed proposal.
16.
There is one bright spot in all this gloom and that relates to the need to start a mandatory repatriation programme. You have kindly already agreed to make available up to £5m (but only up to £1.3 m this year) for costs directly related to mandatory repatriation (eg transport, per capita payments in kind) sufficient to return at least 10,000 boat people. This is most helpful. But no repatriation programme is possible without the cooperation of Vietnam. Our agreement with Vietnam is only for the first group of non-volunteers. After that we shall have to re-negotiate further to agree a programme of substantial and regular returns.
It is my judgement that in order to secure this, we will need to be able to offer a significant financial inducement to Vietnam, in the form of assistance for re-integration of returnees into Vietnamese society. We have discussed with the ODA wing what form such assistance might take, and we have also consulted the director of the British Refugee Council, who recently visited Vietnam, on the types of practical assistance which would be of most use in the Communities to which people would return. Our conclusion is that we should offer vocational training, tools and equipment for workshops to generate employment, and vehicles to help solve severe transport problems.