TNAG-0792-FCO40-996-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1978 — Page 101

8.

21.

fourth, to the extent possible, criteria for selection

should be liberalized.

We should also provide equal

opportunity for beat and land cases.

fifth, the pace of resettlement has an influence OIL

asylum policy in the region and the development of

local pessibilities. We would urge greater speed in

processing and movement onwards. Nothing is more

frustrating for the refugces than to wait insecurely

for departure.

sixth, our programmes in the region need your Governments'

continuing understanding and support as wc search for

durable solutions. We cannot adequately express cur

thanks fo those who have contributed financially and

offered resettlement so generously so far.

We would urge

On our side,

you to continue in this noble undertaking.

we fully appreciate the need to wider. understanding and

support for our efforts so that there is a more

equitable sharing of the burden.

Unfortunately, it is

already clear to us that our initial target of $18.26 million

for 1978, is now grossly inadequate. We now know that

we shall need some $10 million more for 1978.

May I thank you, once again, for your presence here today. It!

has given me an opportunity to share my impressions with you and to

hear your views. There is no greater stimulant in our work than to

J

meet refugees personally.

This I have done throughout this mission.

I am reminded, as I speak, of the group in Pulau Besar. One of them

said, on behalf of the others, "To reach these chores, we had to

leave behind cur country and all we ever had. Some of us are

./...