ROYAKX(2)
CONFIDENTIAL
4. In recent weeks, the British side have suggested a number of specific measures which might be taken by the Chinese
authorities. These include issuing instructions to officials in
the ports concerned that boat people should not be given
assistance to continue their journey to Hong Kong and that they
should be warned of Hong Kong's firm policy of screening and
detention, pending repatriation to Vietnam. We have also suggested that it might be useful if Chinese broadcasts aimed at Vietnam could convey a similar message. We are grateful for the
measures which have already been taken. However it is clear from
the information we have obtained from recent Vietnamese arrivals in
Hong Kong that a number of people are still able to get very significant help in Chinese ports. As in the past we are passing
detailed information on cases of this sort through the Embassy in
Peking and through the NCNA in Hong Kong.
5.
I am grateful for the understanding the Chinese authorities have
shown for these points and the efforts they have made in recent
months to deter Vietnamese boat people from continuing their
journeys to Hong Kong. But, in the light of the growing numbers
doing so, I should now like to suggest a further specific measure
that could be taken by the Chinese authorities. I believe that the
situation has now deteriorated to such an extent that the Chinese
authorities should be prepared to consider accepting responsibility
for those boat people who arrive at points along the Chinese coast
in unseaworthy boats or who are otherwise unable to continue their
journey. At present there are many instances of boat people staying
for some time in Chinese ports and then being put by officials on
newly arrived boats which are travelling to Hong Kong. I am sure
you will agree that there is no reason why people who have thus been in China for a significant period should be passed on as an additional burden to Hong Kong. I would earnestly ask you to agree
to treat such people as having landed in China and to accommodate
them in China in accordance with the principles set out in the draft
Comprehensive Plan of Action which has been prepared for the
forthcoming International Conference on Indo-Chinese Refugees.
believe that such action would be in accordance with standard
international practice. By reducing the number of arrivals in Hong
I
CONFIDENTIAL