TNAG-0894-FCO40-1104-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 19

CONFIDENTTAL

N SECRETARY GENERAL'S MEETING ON REFUGEES AND DISPLACED PERSONS IN SOUTH LAST ASIA: GENEVA 20-21 JULY 1979

BRINT NO 1: STEERING BRIEF

UK Objectives (for Conference and marginal contactu)

1. The saving of the maximum number of human lives and arrangements

for resettlement of as many refugees as possible.

2.

Recognition of UK contribution.

3. A fair allocation of resettlement places for Hong Kong.

4.

Maximum political pressure on Vietnam and those sympathetic to her, without disrupting the Conference.

5. Promotion of follow-up action on practical and humanitarian issues c.g. first port of call, transit centres.

6. Preparation of follow-up political and economic moves among

likeminded countries.

Places and Finance (Brief No 2)

7.

The new UK contribution is respectable in financial terms and in terms of resettlement places (though we may be questioned on phasing). The UNHCR seems likely to get the financial support he needs, but not enough places.

Hong Kong (Brief No 3)

8. Hong Kong's burden is severe. In mid-July Hong Kong was looking after 06,000 refugees, about 30% of all boat refugees. Projected expenditure on the refugee operation for 1979 is US$44million (about £22million). Resettlement from Hong Kong is at present very slow. It is essential that this should be improved and that Hong Kong should get a fair share of resettlement from the region.

Processing Centres/Transit Centres (Brief No 4)

9. Transit centres as suggested by ASLAN nave limited value, but if large enough could sympathetically case pressure at the point of arrival. A UN island does not seen practical. Centres in Vietnam may be an element in orderly departure (see Brief 5 and pare 10 below) but pose serious problems and should be opposed.

UNICR/Vietnam Agreement and Orderly Departure (Brief No 5)

10.

The 30 May agreement will not stop the refugee flood. Sus it mny, if suitably expanded and with certain important safeguards, opet the way to regulating the flow of refugees and eventually eliminating the dangers of the small boat passage.

CONFIDENTIAL

Maritime