TNAG-0586-FCO40-719-Aid-from-UK-for-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-1976 — Page 157

5.

-5.

So far, 14,468 displaced persons from Indo-China had been resettled.

The USA

d France had each taken several thousands. It was hoped that other countries would soon make offers of resettlement.

Good reports had been received about the Coordinating Committee in Bangkok and about the relationships between the UNHCR, the Government and the voluntary agencies.

The exact numbers of refugees in Thailand were not known but the group from Laos was the largest. There had recently been a further influx from Cambodia.

The following papers were distributed at the meeting:-

UN Resolution on Humanitarian assistance to the Indo-Chinese displaced

persons General Assembly 9 December 1975

UNHCR Programme of Assistance to Indo-Chinese Displaced Persons

UNHCR Bulletin on Indo-China and other parts of Asia

c) Refugees from Indo-China in the United Kingdom

i) Students

The World University Service was administering a scheme for Vietnamese, Cambodians and Laotians with a grant from ODM.

ii) Refugees from Hong Kong

The British Council for Aid to Refugees had received 28 young Vietnamese men in a hostel near King's Cross. Of these, 14 had now found work and the hostel had been closed, all the Vietnamese having obtained individual accommodation. Ockenden had received ten young men and senior school boys and was expecting others.

'INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT

a) Bangladesh

Reports from Organisations

i) save the Children Fund was involved in a new project jointly with the Salvation Army, Terre des Hommes (France), American Save the Children Federation. This was the basis of a fairly large community development project for rehousing of the villagers. It was also hoped to grow better forms of rice, groundnuts etc. So far this was going well and there had been a good yield. The existing Bangladesh Government was supporting this and ODM had given £1 for £1 to the scheme for the next two years.

SCF was also working in Dacca in a refugee camp and had set up medical teams.

ii) The Salvation Army

Col. Denham reported on a programme for low-cost housing, with schemes for growing vegetables etc. Funds had been sent from Canada and it was hoped to complete the housing by the end of May.

iii) Miss Quinn (British Red Cross Society)

The ICRC had now withdrawn from Bangladesh. the Bangladesh Red Cross and was progressing well. programmes were being carried out.

The work had been taken over by Family planning and midwifery

The British Red Cross Society was organising nursing training in Dacca - a three year course for 100 nurses to SRN standard. ODM had given a grant under its £1 for £1 scheme.

The Chairman had received good reports on cooperation with the present administration. The position of the Biharis seemed to have improved and they were being absorbed into the community and some were finding employment. However, their living conditions were still appalling and help was needed on this programme.

b)

Meeting with Mr. Barry Smallman

A meeting with Mr. Barry Smallman, High Commissioner in Bangladesh, was held on 20 February 1976. Voluntary organisations had an opportunity of hearing about the current position and of asking questions. A report has been circulated.

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