R. D. Clift, Esq.
CONFIDENTIAL
-3-
9th October, 1981
example the US programme for those with close relatives in the States, within a 90 day period. We have evolved a system for reminding the relevant Consulate General at intervals of the need to keep to this time- table. A Danish delegation, which was recently in Hong Kong to process some ship rescue cases reaffirmed their commitment to fulfil their obligations towards ship rescue cases in the future. Against this background and in view of the relatively modest size of the UK's overall effort, it would be highly embarrassing for Hong Kong to ask for less from the UK. Providing however you can assure us that an offer of resettlement will always be made for refugees rescued by a British flag ship, we need not always wait for the offer to be made formally before landing the refugees.
10. In sum, then, we need an operation Trickle with voluntary agency help. I would be happy for David Ford and the London Office to help in discussing and arranging this. We will do our bit here to help with initial training. On ship rescues we need at least an agreement that refugees rescued by UK ships will continue to be resettled by the UK if they have
ne
other option after 90 days here. Preferably we need a formal guarantee from each ship but this need not be a hard-and-fast rule before the refugees are landed, providing we know it is coming. In doubtful cases we would probably have no alternative to waiting until the matter is settled before landing refugees exactly as Singapore would do.
Yours wer
Bun
(L. M. Davies)
Secretary for Security
33
cc
D. R. Ford, Esq., MVO, OBE Hong Kong Government Office
London
CONFIDENTIAL
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