TNAG-0884-FCO40-1094-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 110

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UNITED KINGDOM MISSION

37-39 RUE DE VERMONT

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UN 618/4

D F Murray Esq CMG FCO

Scar Sovald

SPECIAL PROCESSING CENTRE

1.

ра

26 April 1979

~ William

Nic

I enclose a copy of a record prepared by David Snoxell of a meeting which I had with the Indonesian Foreign Minister on 24 April to discuss Hong Kong's access to a possible Special Processing Centre for refugees from Indo-China.

2. Although Mochtar clearly understood our preoccupations he was at pains to explain to me that he judged that it would not be politically possible for him to get his ASEAN colleagues to agree. I am fairly confident, however, that he will raise the matter with them. You might therefore care to consider whether it would be worth while lobbying in capitals of other ASEAN countries - and in Washington.

see (52)

3. It is difficult to assess the extent of the advantages which Hong Kong might derive from such a centre until we have a clearer picture of how the scheme is likely to develop. I believe however, that the most that we can realistically hope for is a "gentlemen's agreement" that Hong Kong's interest will be taken into account as the project develops. Our main concern should be to ensure that the UNHCR maintain their rate of resettlement from Hong Kong of 1,000 per month (my letter of 20 April to the Governor).

4. We can hardly withhold our moral support from the scheme if the Americans press for it. You will see from the record that Mochtar apparently does not attach particular importance to a contribution from HMG or from Hong Kong. (UNHCR may, however, take a different view.)

5. My suggestion that Hong Kong should receive an invitation to the Jakarta meeting did not go down well with Mochtar. If, however, the Hong Kong authorities see real advantage in being in on the business from the outset, you might consider the inclusion of an undeclared "white face" from Hong Kong in the UK delegation. The Assistant Political Adviser might be a good choice. I mentioned this suggestion to the Governor when I reported to him on the telephone this morning.

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Jour

evw,

James Murray

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