NB
2.
I said that I was aware of these two instruments generally but not in the context of my work so far in specific relation to Vietnamese refugees. Mr McNamara said that he would return to HK on 14th June and later raise the matter with our Government.
6.
Meanwhile, Mr Landau would pursue this matter from here, with FCO and (I think) probably HKGO.
7.
I asked for some background material for reference, in particular the list of dependencies already covered
8. HK UNHCR--On whether UNHCR had any plans to run down the HK administration, Mr McNamara made the points below :
9.
(a) UNHCR has noted the steady increase of Vietnamese
refugees in HK and adopted a "wait-and-see" stance. I think therefore there is no immediate plan for withdrawal or reduction.
(b) HK is a not unpopular mission for UN personnel. (c) However, UNHCR staff apparently do not get housing
allowance unless they pay 54% or more of their salary into rents. (I am not sure if there is any "qualifying" salary level). This, allegedly, is a serious deterrent to people offered a HK posting as HK rents are notorious for being astronomical.
UNHCR has apparently tried to ask our Government to help but so far to no avail because, understandably, HK Government is wary of creating a precedent of subsidising housing for non-HK Government personnel. The result then is that when a vacancy should fall due in HK UNHCR and they fail to get a replacement, the vacancy would simply not be filled.
General observations--HK Government may, sooner or later, be hearing again about the UNHCR's hope for UK extending the Convention and Protocol to HK and for some assistance towards housing of HK UNHCR staff. I suggest that this note be copied to both S for S in HK and to FCO/HKGD here.
now NB * attached
HCPLY/jf
Jahay
Lai
Helen CP Lai YU AC/HQ
2.6.81
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