TNAG-1069-FCO40-1319-Resettlement-of-Vietnamese-refugees-from-Hong-Kong-in-the-UK-1981 — Page 55

CONFIDENTIAL

Mr Williamson

HKGD

17

Reference.

HKK 243/2

RECEIVED IN RECISTET NO. ST

81

107

Nov

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

FA

ร

VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG

PGD 23/4 See (108)

We discussed your draft letter from Mr Clift to Mr Davies.

As you know, I am unhappy with the line on continuing resettlement.

1.

2. The problem perhaps is twofold: to make sure that we are ourselves clear about the chances of getting Ministerial approval to anything smacking of a further quota for Hong Kong, at least until a visible new refugee crisis has arisen there (in SEAD's view, nil); and to decide how much to put in

this letter, or in this and any parallel 'Personal' correspondence.

3. Bluntly, in present circumstances, I suspect SEAD would find it close to impossible to concur in a submission to FCO Ministers recommending an approach to the Home Office or No. 10 seeking a new quota, or even a 'target' for a 'continuing flow'. Hong Kong's burden (setting aside those repatriable to China and rescue cases covered by guarantee) is now 12,500 and still falling steadily, some 40% down on the year so far. 10,000 is a figure which the Governor at one stage said Hong Kong could accept for permanent settlement. In 1981 Hong Kong has on the whole caught up with the other major first asylum lacations, where totals have even increased at times during 1981.

My preference would be to say so, in terms, in our reply to Mr Davies: it will not I think come as a surprise to him or the Governor (or it should not) given recent calls on Ministers.

4.

I attach an alternative draft on these points. The

boat rescues passage is fine, with one or two minor changes.

5.

Yutt.

13 November 1981

T C S Stitt

South East Asian Department W87 233 5073

CONFIDENTIAL

CODE 18,77