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5. Britain has already admitted some 1,400 refugees from Indo China, 700 of them Vietnamese "boat people", most of whom were picked up by the Masters of British ships on the high seas. Britain is committed to accepting ultimate responsibility for all refugees rescued by UK registered vessels who cannot be resettled elsewhere.
6. So far this year, the British Government have given or offered nearly £7 m to the UNHCR for refugees throughout the world. Of this, over £2 m has been earmarked for the UNHCR's special programme for South East Asia. The figure includes a pledge of US $ 1 m made to the UNHCR special programme during the recent consultations in Geneva.
7. British voluntary agencies have played a generous role in caring for refugees admitted to the UK. And offers to accommodate "boat refugees" have been made by individual members of the public and by a score of local authorities and housing associations throughout the country.
The Need for Additional Resettlement Places
8.
In addition to the British Goverment's open-ended commitment to accept ultimate responsibility for refugees rescued by UK- registered vessels if those refugees cannot be resettled elsewhere, the Home Secretary is examining urgently and sympathetically the possibility of admitting further groups of "boat refugees". particularly to help alleviate the burdens on Thailand, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Hong Kong, despite its own serious overcrowding problems, has already admitted for permanent settlement some 12,000 refugees and displaced persons since 1975 and, in addition, has given temporary asylum to thousands of "boat refugees". There are some 4,000 "boat refugees" still in the Colony who appear to have very little prospect of early resettlement elsewhere.
Motives for Flight and Background
9.
Hansard of 15 December (columns 1227-1232) contains an account by Mr Luard of the conditions in Vietnam which have prompted the flight of refugees. He points to the need for a change in these conditions if there is to be any real long term solution.
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