SECRET
NG KONG: REGIONAL HOLDING CENTRES
There are a number of countries in the region which could serve as regional holding centres: -
The Philippines
or islands. The
There is clearly plenty of available land Philippines has also had considerable experience of dealing with Vietnamese Boat People the Bataan camp holds 20,000 and there are
They might plans to build a further camp holding another 20,000.
-
also appreciate the funds that would be the quid for establishing
such camps.
Thailand
even
Plenty
Much land available. But Thailand is inundated with refugees and might be reluctant to take more,
on a temporary basis. of experience with very large numbers of Laotians, Cambodian, Burmese and Vietnamese refugees and displaced persons: camps on the boarders accommodate about 750,000.
Malaysia
Not sympathetic to
Currently
A fairly rich country by regional standards. refugees (it has pushed off many Vietnamese boat people). has 20,000 Indo-Chinese refugees.
Indonesia
But
Could be attracted by the prospect of foreign assitance to finance camps. Has a current Indo-Chinese refugee population of 7000. historical antipathy towards ethnic Chinese.
Taiwan
Could have strong cultural/political motive for taking Hong Kong
No Indo-Chinese refugees at refugees perhaps on a long term basis.
present.
SIPAHM
SECRET