TNAG-1068-FCO40-1318-Resettlement-of-Vietnamese-refugees-from-Hong-Kong-in-the-UK-1981 — Page 62

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are becoming increasingly reluctant to undertake further commitments. Sir Murray MacLehose reported at the beginning

of this month that the Americans in particular were

continuing to enquire about the British Government's

intentions once our present quota ends: and that they had

again referred to the need to maintain an international

effort and a steady monthly commitment. The Governor con-

sidered that there was a risk that the steady, if slowing

decline in the numbers in Hong Kong of refugees awaiting

resettlement might before too long go into reverse. He

had no doubt that, if this happened, it would trigger grave

anxieties in Hong Kong.

4.

Against this background, the Governor favours

the granting of an additional quota to Hong Kong, perhaps

on a monthly basis, on a sufficient scale to ensure that the

United States and other recipient countries continue to take off refugees. However, there are, clearly strong domestic

arguments against taking such a decision at present. I

would therefore prefer to keep the situation under close

review over the summer months, particularly as'there are

some indications that the outflow of boat people from

Vietnam

may be rising over the equivalent period of 1980,

and to make a further recommendation before the summer

recess. As I have indicated, much will depend on the

continuing generosity of the Americans, who have already

taken 35,000 refugees and who are certainly influenced by

our own efforts.

I am copying this minute to Willie Whitelaw and

John Biffen, and to Sir Robert Armstrong.

5.

С

(CARRINGTON)

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

12 May 1981

CONFIDENTIAL