TNAG-0898-FCO40-1108-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 189

to meet most of Mr Heidler's arguments, for example the recognition of Commonwealth refugees, the need for identity locuments, and the review of the immigration rules, which would nesure that refugee status was not seen to be a status of last resort. The question of an independent tribunal for refugee appeals might be worth further consideration. Mr Raison added that the tradition in Britain was that we did not put

into law what was already an accepted fact. He was very aware

of the problem, but it was in part a theoretical one.

Hartling commented that Mr Heidler was an outstanding

representative and that he agreed that UK practice was generally good, even if in theory it was lacking.

Mr

cc: J Gilbert Esq PS/Mr Raison

R A McDowall Esq HOME OFFICE RF Stimson Esq UND FCO

C S Stitt Esq SEAD FCO

HKGD FCO✓

I Orr Esq Ass Pol Adviser HONG KONG HE

D Snoxell

10 October 1979