- If we
(eg
are prepared to resume aid, what form might this take?
support for Fibre optic project, English language training officer,
reintegration assistance).
4. Other ways of putting pressure on Vietnam over repatriation
-
Can we make more use of ASEAN, who may have more leverage on
Vietnam than the UK? (eg possible membership of ASEAN).
Scope for leverage in the Cambodian context?
5. Regional Holding Centre in the Philippines
References: FCO telno 845, Bangkok telno 268, Kuala Lumpur telno 219
and Jakarta telno 196.
→
Is the idea of a regional holding centre in the Philippines likely to run? (The Philippines seem prepared to make available Batoon camp available but we have had no report yet from Manila).
- Should we do more to pursue this idea, in concert with ASEAN
countries? (Preliminary soundings in ASEAN capitals suggests there
has not been much discussion within ASEAN so far).
Should we bring more pressure to bear on UNHCR to manage such a
centre?
Should the centre be for those awaiting screening (possibly more
acceptable to UNHCR) or for those screened out (as envisaged in
draft CPA)?
6. Overspill camp in the Philippines for Hong Kong
-
Should we pursue idea of using Bataan as an overspill camp for
Hong Kong even before the Geneva Conference?
Would HMG be prepared to make a financial contribution?
7. Action with the Chinese
Should we ask the Chinese to accept responsibility for Vietnamese boat people who land in Chinese ports for significant periods of
time?
Does the Secretary of State wish to send a message about this to Qian Qichen? (Draft message attached).
Should we let it be known that we have asked the Chinese for
cooperation on the question of coast-hopping?
-
How should we respond to the Governor's suggestions that
(a) the Chinese should be asked to set up a regional holding
centre in Southern China for boat people in Hong Kong and elsewhere awaiting screening.
(b) the Chinese should be asked to adopt a first asylum policy.
8. Financial assistance to Hong Kong
Reference: Mr Paul's submission of 18 April
Should HMG make a substantial financial contribution to meet
costs of temporary accommodation for the expected influx of boat
people into Hong Kong later this year?
Should such a contribution be made through UNHCR, or, if
necessary, directly?
Where should such funds come from?
9. Resettlement from Hong Kong
Reference:
Washington telno 1045
Should we aim at the Geneva Conference for the backlog in Hong
Kong or be cleared within, say, 3 years?
Should the UK offer to make an additional resettlement commitment as part of a new international effort to clear the backlog in Hong Kong?
10. Preparations for Geneva Conference
What is our preferred outcome for the Conference?
Mandatory repatriation to begin within 6 months.
A regional holding centre in the Philipines.