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Dr D Wilson
Political Adviser
HONG KONG
Hkk 243/1
In Regi
1218A
d 28% Invitiamo
Your reference
Our reference
Date
27 June 1979
по оче) но 84-7
VISIT OF GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG TO ICEM HEADQUARTERS
1.
28.6
Although this was intended to be primarily a courtesy call one or two points emerged which are worth recording,, particularly as both you and David Ford were not present. The Director, Carlin, said that ICEM was very interested and particularly well pleased to encourage resettlement of Indo-Chinese refugees in Latin America. Argentina had just announced that they would accept 300 families, which would be at least a thousand refugees. ICEM had missions throughout Latin America and in SE Asia, and thus the operational structure was in place to get the refugees moving to Latin America. Carlin commented that ICEM would have to get closer to UNHCR, although relations at the top were very good; not so good lower down. The example of how the refugee situation in 1956 in Austria had been handled was a good model: the Red Cross had looked after assistance, UNHCR after protection and ICEM after transport. The operational problems should be on the agenda of the Conference. Carlin also felt that the voluntary organisations could do far more, if they were better organised.
2. Carlin concluded by saying that ICEM stood ready to do all they could in Hong Kong and would build up their staff quickly when the resettlement got really underway. He said that he was very willing to make a quick trip out if this would help.
cc: P MorgaN Esq UND FCO
C Stitt Esq SEAD FCO
HKGD FCO
SAmD FCO
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DR Snoxell
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