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Mr Leahy
CONFIDENTIAL
HKK 243/1
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KALLIVED IN REGIZ.RY NO. 51 14 FEB 1979
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366.
PS/Mr Luard
PS/Lord Goronwy-Roberts
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Actio
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AN ISLAND PROCESSING CENTRE FOR INDO-CHINESE REFUGEES?
Problem
1.
At the UNHCR consultations last December, on the Indo-China refugee problem, the Malaysian representative proposed that a processing centre should be set up, possibly on an island (or islands), from where refugees would be processed for onward move- ment to countries of resettlement. ASEAN countries have welcomed
the proposal. The UNHCR, in consultation with interested govern- ments (including the UK), undertook to investigate the pros and cons and has produced an informal working paper. What attitude
should the Government take?
Background
2. The build-up of refugees in South-East Asia continues unabated; the numbers departing for permanent resettlement elsewhere have not kept pace with the numbers arriving. The exodus from Vietnam, in particular of "small boat" and "big boat" people, has imposed severe strains (social, economic and political) on some South-East
Asian countries of first asylum. There are frequent reports that some of these countries are pushing "small boat" people back out to sea. And there are reports of lives having been lost.
3.
The approximate numbers currently awaiting resettlement are:
140,000 (135,000 "land cases" plus 5,000
"boat cases")
Thailand
Malaysia
Hong Kong
Indonesia
50,000 boat cases
15,000 boat cases, including illegal immigrant.
who have come via China and 3,000
aboard the SKYLUCK
2,300 boat cases
Philippines
2,100 boat cases.
Smaller numbers are awaiting resettlement from several other
territories in the region.
COMET TVETRYSTAT
/4. Some
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Private notes are available after approval.