ATTORNEY
GENERAL
01-405 7641 Extn
CONFIDENTIAL
HKK 243/3
Mr Hoare
M.
pa. (Closed Commi
10 FED ROYAL COURTS OF JUSTICE
10/2
thi
LONDON, WC2A 2LL
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See (18) See (ic
The Rt Hon Francis Pym MC MP Secretary of State for Foreign and
Commonwealth Affairs
Foreign and Commonwealth Office King Charles Street
London SW1
Lea Francis.
HONG KONG: VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
8 February 1983
HKGD
Seek
aps See PS/Lord Belstea no hitferd n Danald
SEAD
Legal Advisers
CC UND.
took.
I have seen papers about Hong Kong legislation on closed camps for these refugees. Some of the provisions made by this legislation cannot really be reconciled with the United Kingdom's obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It would also be difficult to defend such legislation against criticism in Parliament and elsewhere based on generally accepted principles of human rights.
If reasons of policy preclude disallowance of the legislation,
I think it most desirable that Hong Kong should adopt arrangements for frequent review of the legislation so that any adjustments to bring it closer to conformity with the Covenant can be made as soon as circumstances permit. This would also enable regular consideration to be given to the legislation's repeal when it is no longer essential.
I am pleased that urgent consideration is being given to the changes in the camp rules. The existing "prison" rules only add to our troubles.
ps.t
I am copying this letter to John Belstead.
yours
Eva.
Michael.
CONETEVENT TAT