CAVTVA
LORD GLENARTHUR'S LUNCH WITH THE CHINESE AMBASSADOR, 26 APRIL 1989
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE
Points to Make
As you know, when Zhou Nan was here at the end of March, we discussed the serious problem of Vietnamese boat people in Hong
Kong. Since then situation has deteriorated. More than 2,400 boat
people have arrived so far this year, more than double level for
same period in 1988.
Unless urgent steps are taken to stem the flow, many thousands
more will arrive in coming months. Matter of deep concern to HMG
and HKG.
Most of those arriving in Hong Kong could not do so without assistance from ports on South China Coast. Recognise is difficult to discourage such assistance and grateful for measures already
taken.
But clear from information obtained from recent arrivals in Hong Kong that help is still being given. Have passed detailed information on specific cases through our Embassy in Peking and through NCNA in Hong Kong. Are several examples of boat people staying for some time in Chinese ports and then being put by officials on newly arrived boats travelling to Hong Kong.
Because of our deep concern about this problem, Foreign Secretary has decided to send personal message to Chinese Foreign Minister seeking further assistance to discourage coast-hopping. Message will be handed over by our Ambassador in Peking in next few days.
Would particularly draw your attention to the new point in Geoffrey Howe's message. Believe time has come for China to accept responsibility for those boat people who arrive in unseaworthy boats
or for some other reason are unable to continue their journey and
spend a significant period in Chinese ports. Would urge Chinese