Preliminary discussions have taken place with UNHCR over financing the construction of such camps. The local repre- sentative has said in principle that if the Government built the camps UNHCR would reimburse it. Alternatively, UNHCR would finance construction direct if undertaken on behalf of a voluntary agency. In order to ensure that the camps are built soundly and to an approved standard etc it seems best that the Government should assume responsibility for their construction on a repayment basis by UNHCR.
Type of Camp
19
In South East Asia in particular, Hong Kong's humane handling of Vietnamese refugees seems to have made it an attractive place for them to try to reach. The main deterrent to coming here in an overseas vessel is the risk which Captains, Officers etc run of lengthy enquiries, possible prosecution and eventual imprison- ment. Owners also face the prospect of the seizure of the vessel. The refugees have little to lose. The refugees in small boats have to assess their likely chance of resettlement from Hong Kong against the inherent risks of the voyage.
20
Given that the Hong Kong Government treats refugees in accordance with the law and international convention, It is doubtful if the type of camp or the treatment which the refugees receive, having once reached Hong Kong, is likely to be a very strong deterrent to setting out on a voyage here.
21
The existing practice is to detain refugees on arrival under section 11 of the Immigration Ordinance and then, at a sub- sequent date, to carry out initial enquiries regarding their status. In the case of the Huey Fong this period enabled deterrent legislation to be enacted. In the case of the Skyluck, enquiries are continuing and the refugees are being kept on board because of the insufficient accommodation ashore, and also a deterrent to further large vessels. (We have received intelligence that keeping the passengers on the Huey Fong afloat delayed the arrival of the Skyluck). In the case of small vessels, refugees are usually brought ashore within a week or so and are then detained. Pending the outcome of CID enquiries in big vessels the refugees, once ashore, are detained in the Kai Tak detention centre.
C.S. 166
CONFIDENTIAL
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