TNAG-0932-FCO40-1151-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-China-1980 — Page 35

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Page No. 8 of 10 pages

29.

The arrival rate of small boats from coastal villages of Central

and Southern Vietnam (despite three tropical storms in the South China Sea)

has been amongst the highest since the refugee flow to Hong Kong started in earnest in early 1979, although the total numbers carried were much higher last year as most of them came under Vietnamese Government arrangements in larger, and sometimes very large boats. The passengers in the boats arriving in July have been 98 per cent ethnic Vietnamese (the few ethnic Chinese being friends or relatives) taking advantage of the south-west monsoon. They left for three

main reasons : discrimination against officials and supporters of the old

regime; deteriorating economic conditions; and fear of conscription.

Economic conditions in the coastal areas seem to have worsened as a result

of successful earlier escapes : those who have reached Hong Kong have written

to those still in Vietnam, urging them to follow their example. They have done

so, taking with them more of the country's fishing fleet. This means less

food and earnings for those remaining, which in turn prompts further escapes

with a further loss of fishing boats. Although most Vietnamese Public Security

patrols still seem to be assiduous in their efforts to prevent departures,

successful bribery of officials to connive at escapes continues, and may

be increasing.

30.

6 sailing boats arrived from Northern Vietnam carrying ethnic

Vietnamese Catholics, who had left because of religious discrimination. Many of those from Vung Tau rescued at sea by merchant ships and brought to Hong Kong since mid-1979 have also been former North Vietnamese Catholics

who moved south in 1954 following the division of the country, to settle

and form their own communities in the Vung Tau area.

31.

Ethnic Chinese in Vietnam appear to have lost hope of Government

organised departures and many are searching for other ways to leave. Money agents in Hong Kong nevertheless continue to make funds available in Vietnam

for living expenses or departure payments.

/ para 32.

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