TNAG-1026-FCO40-1276-Visit-by-Lord-Carrington--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-1981 — Page 58

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Also at NKK 24312

Mr Morrice

VIETNAMESE REFUGEES

1.

CONFIDENTIAL

Reference

Fle

NICIC 026/2

RECEIVED IN RECESTRY NO.

13 APR 1981

DECK OFFICER

PA

INDEX

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51

REGISTRY Action Taken

AW2310

Sir E Youde has told me of the discussions in Hong Kong on this subject during the Secretary of State's visit. The problem is that Hong Kong need a sufficient undertaking from HMG to satisfy foreign governments, particularly the United States and Canada. In arguing this, however, they are inhibited by the fact that the Americans have not recently said anything on the subject. Hong Kong will require a more definite decision by HMG by June. It is agreed that we should review this question after Easter. If the Americans have come back to us on the question by then, there will be something for the Secretary of State to quote to his colleagues. If they have not, we shall have to work out how to word a communication to the Prime Minister, the Home Secretary and other Cabinet colleagues without more ammunition on the Americans.

2.

There was some discussion of Hong Kong's idea of subsidising the camps run by the Ockenden Venture. Some Hong Kong officials question, however, whether this would provide a sufficient outflow to satisfy the Americans. They see the desirable figure as being about 200 a month. Could we explore this question further with Mr Ford and, if necessary, with the Home Office?

R D Clift

13 April 1981

Hong Kong and General Department

сс SEAD

CONFIDENTIAL