TNAG-0896-FCO40-1106-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 227

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As you know, the Vice President stated here several weeks ago that the US Government would also provide Military Sealift. Command ships to relocate refugees from first asylum countries to refugee processing centers (RPC). The Navy is developing plans to implement this commitment as soon as the RPCs are in operation.

B.

Activities of US Government and' merchant vessels under US flag or owned by American citizens but under foreign flag

Between July 1, 1978 and April 1, 1979, 855 refugees were rescued by US flag ships (six in number) or US-owned foreign flag vessels (also six in number ); all of the refugees were disembarked at first ports of call;

The US accepts all refugees picked up by US flag or US-owned ships who are not accepted by other countries, if a US guarantee of acceptance is required before the refugees can be landed, Such refugees come out of the US 168,000 annual quota;

The US Government has sent several letters to US shipping companies and maritime unions requesting that all ships masters be vigilant for refugees in distress and rescue them. It also reaffirmed special USG measures to facilitate refugee disembarkations at first ports of call;

Several privately-sponsored US humanitarian vessels also operate in the South China Sea where they have picked up refugees in distress. The US has resettled all such refugees who did not choose to go elsewhere.

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