TNAG-0587-FCO40-720-Aid-from-UK-for-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-1976 — Page 75

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However, there were some problems in settling refugees in the same region. Firstly, for political reasons, this might be considered an unfriendly act towards the country of origin; also refugees might fear to settle so near their own homes. However, the se problems had been overcome in Africa and in spite of the difficulties, it might be possible, with outside economic and social help, to resettle the refugees in countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia.

It was hoped that at the UNHCR's Executive Committee meeting in October, the Governments could be encouraged to offer this type of aid to Asian countries and that the voluntary agencies through their own programmes could also provide such support.

b) Work by the British voluntary agencies in Thailand

Encouragement had been given in Mr. Luard's letter. There was discussion on how this could be carried out.

A summary of work being undertaken or planned by the organisations had been circulated.

It was agreed that more detailed information should be collected from all sources so that a general concerted programme of aid could be drawn up. It might be possible to apply to ODM for financial support. There was no point in holding a special meeting at this stage.

Miss Pearce referred to the interest of ITV in making a programme. This could take as its topic the contribution of British agencies or could be a general survey of aid and include the work of UNHCR for Indochinese in Thailand.

In discussion on how far aid should be extended to the local Thai population, the following points were made. -

i) In some areas it might be impossible to combine help to the two groups but as far as possible there should be concentration on the needs of the refugees;

ii) At the same time, HMG and other Governments should be urged to

aid the Thai Government, so that refugees could be resettled without undue strain on Thai resources;

iii) Thailand had never accepted the idea of permanent settlement,

only of temporary relief. Accordingly, the UNHCR was only requested to help on relief, not settlement, and therefore it was not feasible for the Office to include local people in the programmes;

iv) If a Government grant were to be made, this would be only for

work with refugees; this would mean that the voluntary organisations could use other funds for projects including the local population if they wished;

v) Sone members thought that refugees should also be encouraged to

return.

c) Admission of Indochinese to Hong Kong

The Secretary reported on approaches by the American Council of Voluntary Agencies, the International Council of Voluntary Agencies and the international Catholic agencies asking that the Standing Conference should urge HMG to persuade Hong Kong to take the 99 Vietnamese refugees on the SS AVA. In the end, Hong Kong had agreed to do so on condition that efforts would be made to resettle them elsewhere because of the over- crowding and other problems in Hong Kong.

It seemed that, although no formal agreement had been drawn up, the Hong Kong authorities were now more willing to accept tue refugees from Indochina.

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