Mr Morgan (UND)
VIBAN MESE REFUGEES
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HKK 243/330/1
Kc8.d
2 OCT 1977
No d
While
1. Thank you for sending me your draft reply to Mr Taylor (Home Office) and Mr Free-Gore's minute of 24 October. agreeing in principle with the line you propose, I take HED's point that we run the risk of opening the flood gates. If such an eventuality did occur I am sure that the Home Office would want to exclude everyone, including those whom we all agree ought to be let in.
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2. I would therefore suggest that we propose to the Home Office & two-tier system. Unqualified acceptance could be given to refugees picked up by ships registered in the UK but where other British registered ships are involved, the Secretary of State should have the discretion to refuse assistance. For administrative purposes I would suggest that assistance be refused in cases where we have had no guarantee from the territory in which the ship is registered that they would accept the refugees.
3. I cannot agree with bringing in the question of British owned but foreign registered ships.
4. I would suggest that Hong Kong be given the opportunity to commend on this proposal before a reply is sent to the Home Office.
бо
25 October 1977
cc: Mr Free-Gore (MAED)
Mr Humfrey (SEAD)
J Thompson
Hong Kong & General Department K 245
233 4377
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