TNAG-0974-FCO40-1193-Resettlement-of-Vietnamese-refugees-from-Hong-Kong-in-other--1980 — Page 100

HKCS

NORWAY

Report by Dorothy Lee and K.L. Stumpf

Place: Ministry of Social Affairs, Oslo

Date: Friday, 16th May, 1980

1

SHEET NO

1)

Introduction:

We appreciate Hong Kong's efforts in making the arrangements for a

meeting on 16th May. Our own contacts had informed us that the month

of May is a difficult one as there are more holidays than working days.

This is especially true for the week in question as May 15 is Ascension

Day whilst Norway celebrates its National Day on May 17. Many

citizens, therefore, are not available using the long weekend for a

vacation in the countryside.

C

2)

Meeting on 16th May with:

-

Mr. Øystein Opdahl, Mag. Art. Chief, International Division

Ministry of Social Affairs

Miss Klara Bøe - Foreign Ministry

Mrs. Eva Dunlop - Norwegian Refugee Council

Mrs. Tineke Stenstad Norwegian Refugee Council

a) Hong Kong's case was presented with emphasis on shortage of land,

the pressure upon all aspects of life in Hong Kong by the continued

influx of migrants from China, the pressure of nearly 40,000 Vietnamese

refugees and their slow movement from Hong Kong, factors which are

a threat to Hong Kong's stability which is so vital in playing its

important role as the bridge between China and the West, now more

significant than ever. A plea was made that Norway may make a token

b)

contribution.

Mr. Opdahl then outlined Norway's policy regarding refugees in

general and the Vietnamese refugees in particular. For various

reasons Norway can only admit a small number of Vietnamese refugees.

The present quota is 3,000 which is to be filled by those picked up

by Norwegian ships and family reunion cases. Norway very generously

accepts the concept of the extended Asian family.

- 2 -

-