TNAG-0888-FCO40-1098-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 42

Mr Quantrill

Mr McLaren

CONFIDENTIAL

Reference

HRK 243/1

RASSITED IN REDDEN; - 7 JUN 1979

PA

276

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(933

Flags A & B

Flag

VIETNAMESE REFUGEES: LEGAL ASPECTS

1.

930

You asked me to look into the questions raised in Hong Kong telegram No 715,' which is attached and on which Mr Cortazzi has asked you to comment.

2. The first question asks for confirmation that there is no formal obligation on the UK and/or Dependent Territories to give asylum to refugees. This I can confirm - please see X of folio 826 and X of folio 836.

3

The second asks for confirmation that although the UK is a party to the 1951 "Convention relating to the status of refugees" and the 1967 "Protocol relating to the status of refugees" neither instrument has been extended by the UK to apply to Hong Kong. This I have confirmed to be accurate with NTD - please see also Y of folio 826.

4. Please also find attached a draft telegram to Hong Kong for your consideration.

4 June 1979

Tel ceul for

VPA.

for despatch

575

Ənrilen an

P J Williamson

Hong Kong and General Department

CODE 18-77

CONFIDENTIAL