TNAG-0883-FCO40-1093-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 83

C.S. 166

CONFIDENTIAL ## 機密

For discussion

on 13th March 1979

HKK 243/1 XCC(79) 26

3

Copy No ... Page 1

MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

SIS

New Melayu

of 40

CAMPS TO ACCOMMODATE VIANAMESE REFUGEES

Background

You

Will with

tose this

Page.

дигитали

27.3.

An interesting paper,

which incidentally provides the answes to those who claim that because of UNHCR's assistance, Vietnamese

At the meeting of Executive Council on 20th February 1979, Honourable Members discussed, inter alia, the problems facing Hong Kong over the continued influx of Vietnamese refugees over the past few months and the likelihood of increasing numbers over the summer months as a result of more favourable seasonal weather conditions in the South China Sea and the current Sino-Vietnam conflict.

2

From 1st January to 28th February 1979, 10, 932 refugees have arrived and 1, 131 have been resettled. Of the arrivals 5, 957 came in the MV Huey Fong and MV Skyluck; the remainder came by smaller boats. Small boat refugees have recently been arriving at the rate of about 150 per day, largely from North Vietnam.

refugees really Cost Hong Kong

nothing.

572673

Forecast for the next 6 months

3

Whilst, obviously, it is not easy to assess what numbers will leave Vietnam in the next few months when the sea passage becomes more favourable, it seems almost certain that given the present circumstances, many more than in previous years and during the north east monsoon season will attempt to make the trip. Furthermore, it must be assumed that some large vessels carrying several thousand refugees will reach Hong Kong. Intelligence indicates that there are a number of shipping companies, masters and crews willing to engage in the trafficking of refugees from Vietnam to ports in South East Asia despite the risk involved, including that of prosecution in Hong Kong. Finally the pressure on ethnic Chinese in Vietnam to leave the country is likely to be maintained if not intensified.

4

Various measures could affect the situation. One is the establishment of a proposed Island Camp or Transit Centre either in South East Asia or elsewhere, to act as a temporary reception area for refugees either already earmarked for resettlement in Third Countries or seeking places in those countries. The ASEAN Scheme remains in the discussion stage. It does not look as if it is

CONFIDENTIAL

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