TNAG-0899-FCO40-1109-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 64

INDO-CHINESE REFUGEES

CONFIDENTIAL

iii) UK RESETTLEMENT PROGRAMME

ESSENTIAL FACTS

1. Reception and resettlement arrangements are being made by 3 voluntary organisations, the British Council for Aid to Refugees, the Ockenden Venture, and the Save the Children Fund. The reception and resettlement programme is being co-ordinated by a newly-established committee, the Joint Committee for Refugees from Vietnam, under the Charmanship of Sir Arthur Peterson, a former PUSS at the Home Office, on which are represented the 3 voluntary organisations and the Home Office. Mr de Haan called on the Committee's Secretary, Mr Alan Marshall, and on Mr Whitelaw yesterday. Hle expressed himself pleased with UK arrangements.

2. There are about 3,000 places available in reception centres

at present.

3. The Government's policy is to resettle the refugees in small groups spread widely around the country where housing and job opportunities are available.

4.

Refugee resettlement figures as of 19 November are as

follows:

Total

Of which, from Hong Kong

April 1975-30 Sept 1979

October 1979

3387

581

1226

1056

1-19 November 1979

380

340

4993

1977

CONFIDENTIAL