TNAG-0878-FCO40-1088-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 83

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cope with the increasing numbers.

10.

But no real solutions were found.

It is not for the United Kingdom to call an international

conference. The initiative should remain with the UNHCR, who will no doubt have in mind the possibility of arranging further consultations. He will need the full support of the international community.

11.

Some means will also have to be found to bring pressure to bear on the Vietnamese Government to recognise the burden of human misery caused by the departure of so many people from Vietnam and to moderate their domestic policies accordingly. Our own concern at the Vietnamese Government's behaviour in this regard was made clear by

Mr Luard at last month's UNHCR consultations.

BACKGROUND

12.

Mr Ashley visited Hong Kong during the Christmas recess and was thoroughly briefed on the Huey Fong problem and the difficulties faced by the Hong Kong Government over immigration more generally. He was also briefed in confidence about the likelihood that the Hong Kong Government would at some stage have to make arrangements to land the Huey Fong passengers.

13.

The Governor has now said that he intends to allow the Huey Fong to enter Hong Kong towards the end of this week, (Hong Kong telegram No 109). But the decision whether or not to do so will be left to the master in the knowledge that he may risk prosecution if he does: the Hong Kong Government have recently taken additional legal powers which will enable them to act against owners and masters of vessels involved in the refugee traffic. The Governor has said that he has no objection to Mr Ashley being told about his intentions

in confidence.

14.

The Home Secretary has recently agreed to admit a further 1,500 Vietnamese refugees to the United Kingdom over the next 9-12 months: 1,000 from Hong Kong and 250 each from Malaysia and Thailand. This decision will be announced by Written Answer on 17 or 18 January. There will also be a Home Office press notice.

15

SEAD.

This brief has been prepared in consultation with UND and

Winghen

16 January 1979

R JT McLaren

Hong Kong and General Department

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/ I agree