MARAAL
Mr
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RM 1/
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HKB
Many thanks
√√27/2
Mr McLaren PS/Mr Egger
Juster of
CONFIDENTIAL
77/3.
FROM:
DATE:
CC:
•MKD 243/9
RECEIVE
70
28 FEB 1989
Miss, R Marsden
Hong Kong Department
27 February 1989
PS
PS/Lord Glenarthür
PS/Mr Patten, ODA
Mr Gillmore
Mr Slater
Mr Brenton, UND
Mr Edwards, Legal Advisers
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG: UNHCR AIDE MEMOIRE ABOUT
SCREENING PROCEDURE
A
B
C
U A
1. On 3 February UNHCR handed over an Aide Memoire to the Hong Kong
Government expressing concern about certain aspects of the screening
procedure for Vietnamese boat people. Mr Eggar subsequently
discussed UNHCR's concerns with Mr Dewey, Deputy High Commissioner
for Refugees, at their meeting in Geneva on 9 February. Ministers
may wish to be aware of the Hong Kong Government's response to
UNHCR. The formal reply was handed over in Hong Kong and Geneva
today.
2.
UNHCR accept that the introduction of a region-wide screening
programme is the best way of dealing with the problem of Vietnamese boat people. They regard the Hong Kong screening programme as the first step in this process. That is why they are particularly
anxious that screening procedures in Hong Kong should be seen to work properly.
3. UNHCR have made clear that they are generally satisfied with the
screening programme established in Hong Kong and with the
cooperation they have received from Hong Kong Government officials.
CONFIDENTIAL