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October. Since the UK does not contribute to ICEM funds, we are
not in a good position to suggest this ourselves, but we could ask
UNHCR to consider speaking to ICEM.
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10.
Increasing the flow of refugees to Latin America
The Hong Kong Government believe the UNHCR might usefully be
encouraged to work harder on Latin American countries over resettle-
ment places for refugees. So far, there has been no appreciable movement of Vietnamese refugees to Latin America. Brazil, who was recently approached by the Philippines Government to take a quota of refugees from the TUNG AN (still anchored off Manila with 2,300 refugees aboard), refused to admit any. The UNHCR, with whom
Sir James Murray has already discussed the subject, has clearly made little impression on the Latin American countries. ICEM, however, who operate a Selective Migration Programme for Latin America (sendir skilled people to work there, mostly from Europe) could be encouraged possibly by the UNHCR, to float a proposal with the Latin Americans to accept skilled and professional people from among the Vietnamese refugees. We could ask Sir James Murray to try this one on UNHCR.
11. The Latin American aspect is raised in Mr Philip Goodhart MP's interesting letter to the Daily Telegraph of 6 January. (Mr Goodhart initiated the Adjournment Debate on Indo-Chinese refugees on 15 December, to which Mr Luard replied). He suggests that the visit to Mexico of the Pope (in late January) for a conference of Roman Catholic Bishops from Latin American countries could provide a starting point for an important campaign. This is a useful idea.
UKMIS Geneva could be asked to draw it to the attention of the UNHCR
who could decide whether or not to speak on the matter to the Geneva representative of the Holy See. Mr Luard may care to write to Mr Goodhart, noting his letter to the Daily Telegraph.
Recommendation
12. I recommend that the following action be taken if and when the HUEY FONG refugees are landed in Hong Kong, or once they have sailed for Kaohsiung:
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