who had not been subjected to the hostile environment of the camps.
However, we would not wish to allow those already in the camps to become even more entrenched, nor give the impression that those already here might benefit from an amnesty. It would be desirable to ensure that some of the long term screened out were included in each repatriation to emphasise the point that all non-refugees would be returned to Vietnam.
10
This strategy involving a dual track screening of old and new arrivals could be implemented quickly. We have already started screening new arrivals at Green Island. The main constraint is the willingness or ability of the Vietnamese government to accept regular and large scale repatriation of non-volunteers, particularly by sea. It would be essential for new reception facilities to be established at Hanoi and Haiphong. It might take time and money to persuade the Vietnamese to co-operate in such a programme.
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Another problem might be the UNHCR's difficulty in accepting a streamlined screening and review procedure. They are unable to cope with the present rate of 400 persons a week and have recently asked that the procedures be slowed down to 80 a week. UNHCR do not of course have a veto on the pace of the screening and review procedures, but their continued is of considerable value if we are to defend the procedures as meeting internationally acceptable standards.
co-operation
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It would be the intention that the strategy outlined above should operate within the framework of the CPA while at the same time strengthening the deterrent message.
First asylum would be maintained, as would screening. Refugees would continue to be resettled.
Suspension of First Asylum
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The
There have been calls for a suspension or an end to the current policy of providing first asylum for all boat people. Singapore, for example, has never operated such a policy and Malaysia, although a full participant at the ICIR, has refused asylum to more than 2000 boat people during 1989. Government believes that the full implementation of the CPA offers the best prospects for bringing the problem under control but recognises that the suspension of first asylum is an option to be considered. In general terms, there are two possible approaches
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(a) pushing-off:
This would amount to directing the Marine Police to prevent VBP boats from entering Hong Kong waters.
In practice this would be a difficult policy to enforce. Unlike Malaysia Singapore, there are no other first asylum
very and