b)
-5-
to stay behind to do this even though they had had opportunities of resettlement elsewhere. There was discussion on whether it would be possible to give some guarantee of later resettlement to those who were willing to do this. This had been taken up with the Central Coordinating Committee in Bangkok but without
suc
5.
It would not be possible to bring suitable refugees to the UK for training to return to train others, as the Thai Government would not allow this. Governments might be persuaded to de fer entry for some time to those staying to help with teaching.
It was agreed with the help of PVO to prepare a report on these lines for the Home Office (copy to Lord Elton). it might be possible to arrange something with the special sponsorship of a voluntary agency.
it was estimated that some 14,782 refugees from Kampuchea had recently gone into Thailand.
Indo-Chinese Refugees in the UK
The Home Office had recently announced permission for 1,500 more refugees from ïnuo-China to come to the UK as follows:-
1,000 from Hong Kong
-
250 from Malaysia
250 from Thailand
0.
Mr. Colin Birt (Home Uffice immigration & Nationality Dept.) would be going soonnto these countries with Mrs. Morley-Fletcher of BCAR to interview the refugees. it was not the intention to select only those with the best qualifications.
A statement by BCAR was circulated about its plans for reception and resettlement. Small groups were also being taken by Save the Children Fund in a hostel near Chelmsford.
Ockenden had its own programme for Indo-Chinese refugees and so far had received 240 spread around the country (Harrogate, Dewsbury, North Wales, Birmingham, Haslemere, Gosport). Preparations were being made for further groups in the Midlands.
it was urged that there should be a joint policy for the reception and resettle- ment of these refugees amongst the agencies responsible. There was a good climate of opinion at present and cooperation. from local authorities and neighbours over housing, jobs, etc. It was important to avoid major concentrations of refugees in any one area but at the same time they should not be isolated.
INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE CHILD
Miss Pearce outlined a plan for the development of vocational training of young refugees in the camps in Thailand which she hoped would be adopted by IYC as a Standing Conference project to be operated by Ockenden and other voluntary organisations.
it had been discussed with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, ODM and the YMCA and it was hoped shortly to set up a feasibility study.
Copies of details about the project were circulated. General approval was expressed.
Mr. McGee said that ODM would certainly consider making a contribution. agencies would discuss whether they could also join in.
Project for adoption by the 1YC had to be proposed by mid-February.
7. Any Uther Business
a)
Associations for indo-Chinese
Uther
There was discussion about various bouies anu the rarilallentary ranel
.../b
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