CONFIDENTIAL
ANNEX A
The exchange of messages between the MV "Huey Fong" and Hong Kong from 18th to 23rd December 1978
1.
2.
Telex received by Marine Department on 18th December:
"Picked up 2,000 Vietnamese refugees off Vietnam
at 1600 hours yesterday. Request permission to enter Hong Kong. Should arrive in 3 or 4 days".
A reply was sent at 1930 hours on 18th December telling the ship that it would not be allowed to enter Hong Kong and that it should continue to its original destination. No response was received and the message was repeated by Cable and Wireless every half hour.
December:-
4.
Telex received by Marine Department at 1000 hours on 19th
"Position 10 45N, 109 49'E. Picked up 2,700 refugees including 1,000 children and 700 old people. 36 old people and 105 children are sick. One girl is dead. A baby was born yesterday and her mother is in great danger."
At 1220 hours on 19th Decerber a reply was sent informing the vessel that it would not be allowed to enter Hong Kong and suggesting that if medical assistance or supplies and water were required the ship should proceed to Manila or Singapore. Receipt of this message was acknowledged by the Huey Fong but there was no reply.
5.
6.
Message received at 1030 hours on 22nd December:
Present position 19°
"We are on the way to Hong Kong. 5ON, 113 37E. General physical condition of refugees very bad.
232 children 95 old men heavily sick, others very weak, asking save cannot be delayed. Our ship exhausted food, water medicine. Under sympathy asking permission HKG let us sail into Hong Kong and discharge refugees and asking help of international refugee organisation."
Reply sent to the ship at 1240 hours on 22nd December:
"We repeat that you will not, repeat not, be allowed to enter Hong Kong since it is not your scheduled next port of call. You should now proceed to your next scheduled port of call which you have stated to be Kaohsiung. Please state your requirements for food, water and medicine. Your reply is required by 0600 hours GMT today.
Message received by Marine Department at 1901 hours on 22nd December from Huey Fong:
1.
CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.