TNAG-0557-FCO40-652-Resettlement-of-Vietnamese-refugees-from-Hong-Kong-into-othe-1975 — Page 41

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UNHCR's own interest has now taken the form of

request that his Far Eastern regional

representative, Mr Kadry, should visit Hong Kong. shortly. We must instruct our Mission in Geneva

on how to react.

4.

It would, I think, be unwise to rebuff the UNHCR. This could not only put HMG in an embarrassing position but could also discourage certain governments from responding to our requests that they help in the resettlement of Vietnamese refugees in Hong Kong. The Governor of Hong Kong has said that he sees no harm in a visit by Mr Kadry, notwithstanding his reservations over the role which the UNHCR might play.

5. I therefore recommend that we inform our Mission in Geneva that we see no objection to Mr Kadry paying a visit to Hong Kong to discuss the question of Vietnamese refugees there with the Hong Kong Government, provided that this is done without publicity in order to avoid any un- desirable political repercussions which could have an adverse effect on the successful resettlement of the refugees. We might also take the opportunity to encourage the UNHCR to support

WE AND

the bilateral approaches which Hong Kong have made to try to find homes for the refugees.

6.

I submit a draft telegram.

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