TNAG-0884-FCO40-1094-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 41

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Mr Williamson (HD) 4.5

VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG

60s

1.

AKK 843/1.

S MAY 1979

Hong Kong telno 9 to UKMis Geneva and is Geneva teking to Hong Kong. We spoke.

10

2. I have explained to Mr Souter in Washington the importance we attach to obtaining a clear US commitment to consider accepting, within their refugee resettlement programme, Vietnamese boat refugees who have arrived in Hong Kong from China. Such would clearly ease the difficulties which the UNHCR would face if they take responsibility in Hong Kong for these refugees.

3. With regard to the island transit centre, I also explained that the very high cost to UNHCR (and therefore to the Americans who, among others, contribute to UNHCR and who are sensitive to the expense) of maintaining refugees in Hong Kong was an added reason why Hong Kong should be included in the "island scheme": it would be much less expensive to maintain at least some refugees on the island than in Hong Kong.

4. Mr Souter undertook to speak to the State Department who will probably also be receiving a report from their Ambassador in Geneva when Sir James Murray has spoken to him (second TUR).

4 May 1979

а

'P Morgan UND K149

233 8631

CODE 18-77

CC SEAD

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'51415

Mr Augentricle. For your infrmation.

Juvilian

4.5

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