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CONFIDENTIAL
3.
M. Jaeger explained that it was difficult for Mr Jackson to stay in Hong Kong, but he would probably be replaced by an Indian official of the UNHCR who was procently working on the refugee problem in Monila.. The Governor commented that this was an administrative
matter for the UNHCR, but Hong Kong would accept any representative of the U NHCR in whom Mr Jaeger had confidence.
4.
M Jaeger said that a small percentage of the refugees might be repatriated. There were about 1,700 cases in the United States which were being moved to Guam.
The UNHCR was in a position to put some pressure on the P R G because of their assistance programme which was still being continued, but conditions in Saigon were not very settled. The Governor said that it would be helpful if a small group were able to return satisfactorily, although the Hong Kong Government would not press them to do so against their will nor could they be given any assurances for the future. If the UNHCR were repatriating refugees from Guam perhaps they could pick up some refugees in Hong Kong who also wished to return. M Jaeger took note of this point and said there were 35 cases in Hong Kong which would be transmitted to the UNHCR office in Saigon. He hoped that the Hong Kong Government would have no objection if refugees returning to Vietnam transitted through Kai Tak Airport. The Governor said that we would help as much as possible, irrespective of whether priority was given to Hong Kong cases.' The planes could perhaps use the RA F part of the airport. M Jaeger said that the UNHCR would naturally give early consideration to the cases in Hong Kong.
5.
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M Jaeger explained that the U N H C R might also wish to transit through Hong Kong foreigners who had been stranded in Saigon, but whom the Vietnamese authorities now wished to depart. Director of Immigration, said that provided they had onward travel documents and the U N H CR took full responsibility for this operation there should be no problém,
CONFIDENTIAL
-16.
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