1901L027.TAT-1
Department of Health
Alexander Fleming House Elephant and Castle London SE1 6BY
(DHSS
Telex 883669
Mr C Haswell
Hong Kong Department
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
King Charles Street
LONDON
SW1
Telephone 01-407 5522 ext
6482 Room B1414A
Your reference
Our reference
INL/7
Date
23 January 1990
Dear Mr Haswell
VIETNAMESE MINORS IN HONG KONG
We spoke last week about possible long-term arrangements for unaccompanied Vietnamese children in Hong Kong resettlement camps. After discussing this in more detail, I am now able to give you our considered views.
As I explained by telephone, we strongly advise against proposals to admit individual Vietnamese children to the United Kingdom for the purpose of adoption. In our view, it would be highly unsettling for these children to be introduced to the United Kingdom without any opportunity for adjustment, probably in order to be brought up by adopters with little understanding of the child's cultural and social background and individual needs.
We suggest that any admissions should be part of wider arrangements governing the admission of unaccompanied Vietnamese minors. These arrangements, which have previously taken place under the auspices of Save the Children Fund and the Ockenden Venture, are under review. I would suggest that you contact Mr E Hillier of this Department (ext 7465) to discuss this further.
I have been advised, however, that the past arrangements for the admission of Vietnamese minors have not always concluded successfully. Mr Hillier can supply more information and I suggest you discuss with him whether admission to the United Kingdom, even under group arrangements, is necessarily the best approach for these children.
I am copying this letter to Mr Hillier and to Mike Lyne at the Home Office.
HKB 243/15 RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
O 6 MAR 1990
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onna tidenio
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