TNAG-0889-FCO40-1099-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 105

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10.

However, so far as I am aware there has never been

anything quite like the recent movement of people in South East

Asia by boat. The movement reflects political, ethno-religious,

and territorial re-alignment pressures. Whatever the causes, the

exodus raises new issues of the most pressing importance for

Australia.

The displacement of large numbers of people after major

wars is almost a natural consequence of conflict. Such movements

are not surprising. But it is not altogether to be expected that

there will still be large-scale movements of people four years

after the end of wars of so-called national liberation and

unification.

Unfortunately, as shown by the examples I have quoted,

the pressures producing mass movements of people frequently have

their origins more in oppression and persecution, in the deprivation

of human rights than they do in the magnetism of migration and the

goal of social and economic improvement.

The issues that affect or determine an individual's

decision to migrate are usually powerful and persuasive. This

decision, however, can usually be taken at some leisure and after

a full consideration of all the factors involved. While the

situation that confronts a potential refugee may not be markedly

different, the factors provoking the actual flight are often sharp

The act of escape invariably exacerbates the

Once outside his country his prospects of return to

and unremitting.

problems.

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