CODE 18-77
$5 10/76
RESTRICTED
2
Reference
738
would then be in a position to ask Hong Kong to give such an undertaking (I could hardly ask them to give an undertaking if we were ourselves not prepared to do so).
6. I think, in the circumstances, that the chances would be reasonable of Hong Kong agreeing to give such an undertaking provided that we in turn could assure Hong Kong that they will not be left with any of the refugees indefinitely. This would give us a good breathing space and the UNHCR a reasonable time in which to find permanent homes for these refugees. The likelihood is that they would all be resettled in due course and we would not in the event be compelled to bring any of this group to the UK. The Home Office have promised to let me know
the result of their further consideration of this matter later today.
7. In the meantime, I believe we should push on with representations. I attach a draft telegram for your approval and should be grateful for permission to act as in para 3 above. The points I shall wish to make are those in our tel no 271 to Singapore. In addition, I shall point to the exemplary attitude of Hong Kong (despite its own small size and populationg problems) in receiving refugees picked up by merchant vessels whose first port of call after the rescue was Hong Kong.
HKK 243/332/1 32/1
REENED IN MASKY No. 51
17 OCT 1977
13 October 1977
cc:
JKD K 247
MVD CL 631
R
RGSTRY P Morgan
INDEX
PA
دله
T117/10.
Action Taken United Nations Dept
K152 233 8631
Page 60Page 61
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.