E.R.
Confidential
Standing Conference/
of British Organisations for Aid to Refugees, have
offered their help in the reception and resettlement of any Vietnamese
who may be accepted for resettlement here. Although both organisations
can provide initial reception facilities for individuals or groups (given adequate prior notice of arrival), the long-term financial
responsibility would inevitably fall on public funds whether in the
field of medical, scholastic or general social support services.
11.
On Thursday, 8 May, the Secretary of State replied to a Question on
refugees from Vietnam to the effect that this country would be prepared
to accept a number of refugees for resettlement here who have some
previous connection or tie with the United Kingdom. Following the
practice used in the context of earlier refugee situations, no quota
was stated and, at this stage at least, there is no clear indication of
how many refugees from Vietnam might have ties with this country and
would wish to come here for resettlement.
It was
12. The Asian Group of officials of the EEC met in Dublin on 9 May to
discuss various aspects of the South East Asia situation. Among points
covered was that of the respective countries' attitudes towards the
acceptance of refugees for resettlement and the possibility of a
common reply to the United Nations High Commissioner's approach.
clear from the discussions that all Community countries were willing
to accept some refugees, subject to individual processing and having some
connection with the country concerned. Although no country was willing
to commit itself to a specific quota, the French indicated that they
intended to admit any Vietnamese of French culture who expressed a wish
to come; it was estimated that this might amount to something like
10,000 refugees. All countries saw difficulty in replying in specific
numbers to the UNHCR's enquiry and doubts were expressed on the political
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