TNAG-1068-FCO40-1318-Resettlement-of-Vietnamese-refugees-from-Hong-Kong-in-the-UK-1981 — Page 18

(26)2

Spojen

1 film 2.7.87

ACHO FL. Speak D

C

DC

APAO

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File No.

UK/JCRV

14

5 for S, Sfor I w/o encl.

FCO, HKGD - Mr R D Clift

Page

This morning I attended my second full JCRV meeting and am pleased to report that members seem now to accept my presence as being automatic and therefore presumably appropriate. Messrs J Hindley and Jim Nicholson (Goddard's successor) attended for Home Office.

2. There is little I really have to contribute to discussions because much relates to the nitty-gritty of running and funding of reception. It is, however, useful for us as a "listening post" for developments and a forum for airing/rectifying/clarifying the HK situation. Eg, I distributed OPINION on HK's concern over VR influx.

3.

Please see (26),which is notes of the last meeting (my first, 21.5.81) and the observations recorded thereon. Also, the agencies' statement at (27) is interesting as an attempt to lobby!

4. One point raised in passing was that DHSS rate of "subsidy" for reception per refugee per week may be revised from £21 to £27 from 1.7.81.

5. Another point, strongly and repeatedly made, was about UK boat rescues "over-loading" reception facilities. Agencies were pressing, with firm support from JCRV Chairman, for :

6.

(a) funding for reception of boat rescues to

be separate from the original programme; and

(b)

deferment of closure of reception centres so as to cope with projected boat rescues.

It would seem from point II recorded at (26), that HK Immigration Department's VR selection has been called to a halt at 230, the balance pending the clearance of other VRs :

(a)

undergoing medical checks; or

(b) yet to surface.

There is understandably concern amongst agencies over capability to receive before full run-down of their centres. I recommend that :

PTO

10/(a)

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