TNAG-0496-FCO40-561-Deportation-of-foreign-nationals-from-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 117

REPUBLIC

OF

VIET-NAM

EMBASSY OF VIET-NAM

12, VICTORIA ROAD,

LONDON, W8 5RC

TEL. 937 3765

The Honourable Ben. T. Ford, M. P,

Chairman

Anglo-Vietnamese

Parliamentary Group House of Commons

London SW1 A OAA.

16th July, 1974.

dear fr

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated July 15, 1974 in which you expressed the wish to be informed about the fate of the 118 South Vietnamese citizens who attempted to enter illegally into Hongkong last month and were consequently returned to the Govern- ment of the Republic of Viet-Nam by the authorities of this Crown Olony.

I am eager to bring you the following information:

The persons in question are presently under investigation the purpose of which is to uncover the leaders of what seems to be a vast organisa' tion specialising smuggling Vietnamese citizens out of the Republic of Viet- Nam particularly draft dodgers and escapees from justice.

During the investigation-- which is soon to be completed, -- they have been transferred to Con Son island, not as a punishment but rather in the interest of the investigation-- which can thus proceed in a serene atmos phere and for the offenders' own security there they are safe from any threat or pressure from their accomplices. On Con Son island, those offenders are well -treated and enjoy relative freedom.

of law.

I can assure you that they will receive a fair trial in due process

I appreciate your giving me this opportunity to dismiss all the rumours surrounding this affair and shall be glad to remain at your disposal for any futher information you may wish to have.

Yours faillfully

Pham Dang Lam

Ambassador

ih