TNAG-0890-FCO40-1100-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 203

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Government's concern that Hong Kong should not be penalised because

of its humanitarian policies and the efficiency with which it has

tackled the refugee problem.

Vietnamese Scheme for the "Orderly Exodus of Refugees"

6.

7.

The Deputy UNHCR, Mr de Haan, has reached agreement with the

Vietnamese on a family reunion scheme involving the "orderly

exodus" of emigrants from Vietnam under UNHCR auspices. Under this

scheme it is hoped that some 20,000 people might be moved from

Vietnam direct to countries of resettlement by the end of the year.

We have no objection to this scheme in so far as it goes. But

in our view it will have a negligible effect on the exodus of boat

refugees from Vietnam. It is likely to divert attention from the

real problems, take up a disproportionate share of UNHCR's money

and energies, and enable the Vietnamese to claim credit for pursuing

humanitarian policies. Sir J Murray has already made these points

to Mr de Haan but without making much impression (UKMIS Geneva

telegram No 189). Some plain speaking by the Minister of State

might result in a greater sense of realism.

8. Further briefing will be provided in the light of the

Minister of State's views.

11 June 1979

Сс

PS/PUS

Sir A Duff

Mr Cortazzi

SEAD

UND

wangwen

RJT McLaren

Hong Kong & General Department

CONFIDENTIAL