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DSR 11C (Revised 5/87)
basis to provide accommodation for up to 5,000 people.
If emergency accommodation is not available, there will
be growing pressure in Hong Kong to abandon the policy
of first asylum. Alternatively new arrivals might have
to be left on board unseaworthy vessels to face the
approach of the typhoon season.
PRIVACY MARKING
In Confidence
The
Hong Kong's need is a desperate one and I am convinced
that we should respond positively to this request.
Governor's Private Secretary telephoned Hong Kong
Department this morning to ask that if at all possible
the tents should reach them over the weekend. I hope we
can pull out all the stops to meet this request.
I understand from contacts with your officials that the
quantity and type of tents required would be available at
short notice and that the approximate cost, including
freight to Hong Kong, would be of the order of £250,000.
Given the urgent humanitarian requirement, and the
potential threat to life arising from this critical
situation, I believe this would be a suitable call on
ODA's disaster funds. I very much hope that you can
agree to authorise the immediate disbursement of the
necessary funds.
I am acutely aware of the drain on your resources imposed
by the situation in Hong Kong. As you know, Geoffrey
Howe will be writing shortly to the Chief Secretary to
flag up the possibility that exceptional funding may be
required in due course. But I am afraid that we could