ARRAEB
HED 243/20
Mr McLaren
PS/Lord Glenarthur
Private Secretary
RESTRICTED
From:
A R Paul
Hong Kong Department
Date:
April 1989
Cc:
PS/Mr Eggar
PS/Mr Patten
Mr Gillmore
Mr Colvin, SEAD
Mr Brenton, UND
Mr Crabbie, Finance Dept.
Mr Machin, ODA
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG :
FINANCE
Problem
1.
The Governor has requested substantial financial assistance
(at least £4 million) from HMG to help Hong Kong meet the cost of accommodating the major influx of boat people which is expected this summer. How should we respond?
Recommendation
2. It is most desirable, for both political and humanitarian
reasons, that we should respond swiftly and in full to the
Governor's request. I recommend that we do so and that we seek to
channel the aid through UNHCR. But funds are very tight and the contribution could be found only by:
diverting funds from the Aid Budget;
RESTRICTED