CODE 1877
Mr Williamson
HK
Reference...
2443
RECEIVED
No. 51
240 1979
DESK OFFICER
HEMISTRY
INDEX
PA
AC
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Taken
1800
Мо
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG: BRITISH RED CROSS SOCIETY
1.22/1811
Mr Brian Hodgson, Counsellor (ie Adviser) to the British Red Cross Society, telephoned yesterday at Mr Figg's suggestion to raise a problem related to the BRCS's operations in Hong Kong.
2.
Mr Hodgson said that as a result of a visit which he had recently paid to Hong Kong, BRCS had agreed to manage one refugee camp.
They had also undertaken to run a hospital which would provide facilities for all the camps. An Administrator and three medical staff were now stationed in Hong Kong and were likely to remain there for at least a year or so.
3. The problem is accommodation for the medical staff, 2 doctors and one senior nurse, all women. At the moment they are staying in hotels. They need permanent accommodation, but for understandable reasons BRCS do not want to have to pay market rates for flats. An approach has apparently been made to the Hong Kong Government who said they might be able to provide government quarters but only at an economic rent. Mr Bodgson wondered whether there was any way in which we might help. He had the impression from Mr Morris Morgan (Deputy Secretary for Security) that an enquiry from us could lead the Hong Kong Government to be more forthcoming. Accommodation in the British Military Hospital would also be acceptable.
4. BRCS's wish to keep down administrative costs is praiseworthy and I should be grateful if you would consider, in consultation with SEAD, how best we might help. An approach to the Ministry of Defence about the British Military Hospital is one possibility; a personal telegram to Mr Davies would be another.
5. Mr Hodgson can be contacted at the Headquarters of the BRCS (telephone: 235 5454).
24 October 1979
CC
Mr Murray Mr Figg SEAD
R J T McLaren
Hong Kong and General Department
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