TNAG-0972-FCO40-1191-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 22

- 4 -

Of the 29 specific allegations investigated by the

group, eleven concerned ill-treatment or assault by camp officials.

Only one of these appeared to be genuine but action could not

be taken as the victim decided not to lodge a formal report.

The group has also looked into 16 other allegations

of ill-treatment or assault contained in the Prisons Department's

records and has noted that, in the four cases in which the

allegations were proved, disciplinary action had already been

taken against the staff concerned.

The group has confirmed that there was never any

question of the Government adopting a policy of deliberate

deprivation towards the refugees: on the contrary, there has

always been genuine concern at all levels for the refugees'

well-being.

The

group pays tribute to the many Government departments,

auxiliary services and voluntary agencies which have contributed

towards the care and maintenance of the refugees. In particular,

it commends the Prisons Department for their good work as camp

managers.

Secretariat Press Officer

Thursday, June 26, 1980.