CONFIDENTAIL
A) The introducation of a region-wide screening policy
B) Resettlement of those who are refugees
C)
Repatriation in the first instance on a voluntary basis of
those who are not refugees
It leaves open when to address the question of repatriation of those
who do not volunteer.
Confirmation of further resettlement places in the UK
9.
The Prime Minister confirmed, in a written Parliamentary Answer on 23 February, the UK's offer to take 1,000 Vietnamese refugees from Hong Kong over the next two to three years.
10.
On 22 December 1988, Mr Eggar announced that the Government was prepared in principle to contribute to a major international effort to tackle the problem of Vietnamese boat-people in Hong Kong
by taking a further 1,000 Vietnamese refugees over two to three years, provided that others were prepared to contribute commensurately. A vigorous diplomatic campaign was conducted, including with the help of UNHCR, to urge other resettlement countries to match what we intend to do by accepting substantial
additional numbers of Vietnamese refugees from Hong Kong. response to our call was very good and amounted to a significantly increased international effort. Accordingly, the Government has decided to proceed with the new resettlement plans.
The
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CONFIDENTIAL