CONFIDENTIAL
PS/LOR
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GORONWY-ROBERTS
cc: Sir D Watson
Mr O'Keefe
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HONG KONG: VIETNAM REFUGEES
1. I have just seen (having returned from leave) Mr O'Keefe's minute of 8 April; and apologise for a tardy comment.
2.
The budgetary situation of Hong Kong is a matter not in dispute and therefore it seems to me that (unless for its own reasons Hong Kong chose to accept a humanitarian levy) it would be appropriate for HMG in certain circumstances to lend a hand with the costs involved in looking after any substantial number of refugees from the war areas in Vietnam.
3. I would therefore suggest that on a contingency basis, officials should explore with ODM the possibility of ODM funds to help with costs in Hong Kong looking after Vietnam refugees, if these turn up in any substantial numbers, ie thousands rather than hundreds. I think we should not, repeat not, consult or inform Hong Kong about these inter- departmental soundings; and that we should make clear to ODM that the thought had no Hong Kong inspiration.
4.
It seems to me that it would be entirely defensible for HMG to make available part of the funds foreseen for Vietnam humanitarian purposes to refugees outside the territory. Equally of course, with defence costs in mind, (though we need not say this to ODM) there would be advantage in demonstrating to Hong Kong that the British public are aware of the Hong Kong financial scene and are prepared within reason to relieve them of costs which are in no sense their proper concern.
9 April 1975
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CONFIDENTIAL
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