CONFIDENTIAL
LORD PRIVY SEAL'S VISIT TO HONG KONG : 8 TO 10 JANUARY 1982
BRIEF NO 8 : VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
POINTS TO MAKE
1. Glad to see the number in Hong Kong, excluding those from China,
now below 14,000.
2. Admire Hong Kong's generosity in accepting so many refugees.
Realise burden on Hong Kong.
UK QUOTA
3. UK have taken over 11,000 refugees since 1979.
4.
Looking into
ways to keep the flow going, but political and practical difficulties.
Hard to find housing and employment in UK in present economic climate.
Additional quota very unlikely, but we are continuing to take
those with relatives in UK and those rescued by UK ships, giving
approval on case by case basis.
5. Glad to help in any way we can, but economic and political
difficulties considerable.
SHIP RESCUES
6. Regret cannot give blanket guarantee to settle all picked up by
British vessels and landed in Hong Kong. Case by case consideration,
including reference to No 10 Downing Street, rapid.
less than 48 hours, 72 at most.
HONG KONG'S GENERAL POLICY ON VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
Normally takes
7. Have read Chief Secretary's letter of 2 December to Mr Donald.
Raises fundamental issues. No time yet to draw conclusions. But
Embassy in Washington have tackled Americans on immediate problem.
Will consider carefully on return to UK.
UMELCO
8.
Grateful Governor's views on line with UMELCO Brief No 17.
CONFIDENTIAL
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