Of
refu s" there who still need to be resettled elsewhere.
these, it seems that about 200 are unlikely to be accepted by
other countries in the near future. I am sure you will
understand our special responsibility towards Hong Kong. We are now discussing with all concerned the possibility of
accepting into the UK a number of Vietnamese refugees at
present in the colony. I should like to add how pleased I am that cooperation in Hong Kong between the Hong Kong
authorities, US officials and UNHCR, in respect of "boat
refugees" arriving there, is excellent.
on all those involved.
It reflects credit
Another important aspect we have to bear in mind here,
which I touched on in my letter of 10 January, is the frequent
passage of British shipping in the area of the South China
Sea. A consequence of this has been that our ships have
frequently rescued "boat refugees", whom we have subsequently
allowed to come to the UK. There is every reason to suppose
these rescue operations will continue and that as a result
further numbers of refugees will be admitted to our country.
I shall keep in touch with you on this problem and write
again when there are further developments.
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