TNAG-0559-FCO40-654-Resettlement-of-Vietnamese-refugees-from-Hong-Kong-into-othe-1975 — Page 282

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Hong Kong will know by midnight their time whether there are any bakers and Hr Drace-Francis meanwhile will be consulting the Governor again pointing out the objections to repatriation without agrcement of the international parties concerned. He will ring me in the Office or at home, or the Resident Clerk, to report.

7. When he calls I propose to pass a message on the lines we discussed. That is to say, I shall confirm that repatriation can take place only with the agreement of PRC and UNHCR, and subject to willing South Vietnamese who have signed an undertaking.

PJ Male

26 August 1975

PS. hur Drace-Francis has just rung again (14.55).

Twelve people signed the undertaking and were willing to go. He had however spoken with the Governor and my advice had been accepted. Hong Kong will back down and will send us a telegram tomorrow.

I gathered from Mr Drace-Francis that in Hong Kong they do not believe that the dangers pointed out by Air France and UNHCR are real.

I said that had they gone ahead they would certainly have got a very bad press.

copied to: Sir J Killick

Resident Clerk

Mr. Finnichdy

b poreb H L O'Keeffe Esq (or)

20% (or)

122/8

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