TNAG-0792-FCO40-996-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1978 — Page 249

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HKK 243 RECEIVED IN REGISTRY, MO. 51. 2 1 JUL 1978

REGISTRY

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

PA

Action Tren

No

Copy

233-4069

HKK

151/1

120

A B Crowson-Esq British Embassy WASHINGTON

21 July 1978

1.

118

I enclose a copy of a letter addressed to the Prime Minister from a Mr Douglas of North Carolina.

2.

Mr Douglas is well wide of the mark in both his criticisms. You are, I believe, well aware of recent events concerning Hong Kong's position on the trade in ivory from the African elephant. On refugees from Indo-China, we have taken every opportunity to stress that Hong Kong's record in this respect is at least as good as that of any neighbouring country. As far as I am aware, there has been no case of such refugees being turned away from Hong Kong.

3. May I leave it to you to send whatever reply to Fr Louglas you think appropriate.

J Thompson

Hong Kong & General Dept