TNAG-0556-FCO40-651-Resettlement-of-Vietnamese-refugees-from-Hong-Kong-into-othe-1975 — Page 49

HOME SECRETARY

FCS/75/20

HKIOD

73B

CONFIDENTIAL

Since my return from Jamaica and Washington, I have

been considering the plight of the 4,600 Vietnamese refugees

who have arrived in Hong Kong.

I am getting in touch with the American, Canadian,

Australian, New Zealand, Danish and Swedish Governments about

the problem, drawing their attention to the very severe strain

these refugees place on the Colony's social services, particularly

bearing in mind that Hong Kong has to absorb about 36,000 legal

immigrants from China a year, not to speak of those arriving

illegally who escape the vigilance of the immigration authorities.

I have read your statement in the House on 8 May and am very

grateful for your offer to admit a number of Vietnamese refugees

with a connection or tie in this country.

I am sure that these conditions will be liberally

interpreted.

Doubtless you will bear in mind that our ability

to influence the Governments I have mentioned to take their share

of the burden will depend to some extent on our own attitude to

the problem.

CONFIDENTIAL

/I am