TNAG-0558-FCO40-653-Resettlement-of-Vietnamese-refugees-from-Hong-Kong-into-othe-1975 — Page 88

CONFIDENTIAL

ASIA WORKING GROUP: DUBLIN 20 JUNE

BACKGROUND ON SOUTH EAST ASIA

Vietnamese Refugees in Hong Kong

Background

1. The record of the discussion at the last meeting of the Group is attached.

2. Out of an original total of 4,000 Vietnamese refugees in Hong Kong, France (400+) Denmark (up to 100) and Belgium (10) are taking some 500 between them. The FRG (which is in favour of taking some refugees but where the final decision rests with the Lander) and Italy have not committed themselves; and the

Netherlands are unlikely to accept any apparently because of language and other difficulties. We are currently considering applications from 73 refugees who are seeking admission to the UK. The numbers so far admitted here are very small and our criteria (that those we accept should have some prior connection with Britain) are fairly restrictive. Outside the EEC the US (1000+) Canada (at least 300) Australia (170) and Austria (100)

will probably provide homes for at least another 1600, leaving a residue of 1500 to 2000 for whom permanent homes still have to be

found.

Line to take

3. Mr Wilford could express gratitude to our partners for their

help so far over this question and might add that we hope that they will be able to see their way to taking an additional number of refugees. In view however of our own performance it is suggested that any pressure we apply should be in fairly low key. It could be more productive if Mr Wilford were to discuss this matter bilaterally (particularly with the Germans) either in the

corridors or at the lunch rather than at the formal session.