CONFIDENTIAL
Mr Questill thank
you
I have Reference
ра ризик
que
inserted a suitable form of words the defensive brief for the press conference. 02579
Mr Blaker's Press Conference in Hong Kong: 25 Septembe
AKKL 026
1976
38
In search of a line for Mr Blaker to take on the tunetade for reception in the uk of the quota of 10,000 refugees 1-6 SERIE Mr Michael Head (assistant Secretary, Home Office
2.
DASK OFF
Mr Head said that we had made "as brisk a start as on the quota of 10,000
possible"/ by agreeing to receive in this country 1,500 refugees t present in in
Hong Kong by the and of the year. This give is in addition to a planned reception September of the 6-700 left previous commitment. There is
CODE 18-77
in
is, a
at the moment
Christmas. The Home Office is doing
what it
сам,
over from our firm timetable offer but the rate of acceptance
ло
will largely be influenced by the amount of reception accommodation that
can be made available, the amount
of
accommodations that can be found for permanent resettlement and the speed with which the latter can be
made available.
3. On the questions of extra places (ie in addition to de 10,000) being offered,
no present undertaking to accept move!
Hong Kong's circumstances, den HMG
Mr Head said that there was there were a dramatic change
wish to review the situation. may
this
In a
group
conversations with Mr. Colin Birt (a Home Office official just back from a selection visit to Hong Kong ), was told that the Governor is about to write to us on the phasing of the 500 places to be filled by the end of
year. Apparently, the Governor's concern is hat if 6-700 we moved in September, but then only 500 for each of de next twee months, it would appear
was falling off. Therefore, he will be suggesting rather brisker start of 1, oro in October, followed if recessary by a short
tilu a pause fidher visit by a love office selection team in November in order to achieve an offtake of another 1,000
that the rate
5 September
removal
1000 in
a
"December- January.
Priebly.
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