CONFIDENTIAL
60
006212
MDHIAN 1422
CONFIDENTIAL
FM HONG KONG
TO IMMEDIATE FCO
TELNO 2650
OF 071115Z AUGUST 89
2+3/30
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE: HIGH ISLAND PROTEST
TOP COPY n DIST ?
THE PROTEST OVER THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE HAS CONTINUED OVER THE WEEKEND. DESPITE INTENSIVE CONSULTAT- IONS AND NEGOTIATIONS TODAY, THE PROTESTERS HAVE REFUSED TO LEAVE THE SITE TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION WORK TO CONTINUE.
2. WE HAVE THEREFORE DECIDED TO ASK THE POLICE TO CLEAR THE PROTESTERS FROM THE SITE EARLY TOMORROW (8 AUGUST) MORNING. THERE IS UNLIKELY TO BE RESISTENCE FROM THE PROTESTERS BUT WE CAN EXPECT
UNFAVOURABLE PRESS COVERAGE. WE HAVE EXPLORED ALL THE POLITICAL OPTIONS TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM AND WE NOW FEEL THAT WE HAVE TO PRESS AHEAD WITH CLEARING THE SITE SO THAT CONSTRUCTION WORK CAN CONTINUE. THE PROJECT IS ALREADY A MONTH BEHING SCHEDULE AND OUR ACCOMMODATION DIFFICULTIES ARE AGAIN BECOMING ACUTE. THERE ARE AT PRESENT OVER 5,600 PEPLE AT TAI A CHAU AND ALTHOUGH WE HAVE SOME NEW ACCOMMODATI- ON AT WHITEHEAD AVAILABLE WE CONSIDER IT ESSENTIAL TO COMPLET THE
HIGH ISLAND PROJECT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
FORD
YYYY
ΜΑΙΝ
109
DISTRIBUTION
116
.VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE IN HK
LIMITED
HKD
SEAD
UND
LEGAL ADVISERS
PUSD
ECD (E)
FED
FINANCE D
RMD
PS
PS/MR MAUDE
PAGE
PS/MR SAINSBURY
PS/LORD BRABAZON
PS/MRS CHALKER
PS/PUS
MR GILLMORE
1
CONFIDENTIAL