TNAG-1181-FCO40-1483-Resettlement-of-Vietnamese-refugees-from-Hong-Kong-into-the--1982 — Page 103

CONFIDENTIAL #3

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34.

International reaction is likely to be

mixed. Those countries which have now restricted their

resettlement quotas and criteria ought to support the

proposals but a few outspoken commentators may seek to

secure personal publicity for their opposition.

case, closed camps are the normal accommodation for

refugees elsewhere in the Region. So these proposals

In any

simply put Hong Kong in the same position as the other

South East Asian countries. The UNHCR reaction is

(ie crucial?)

critical. It is essential that no step should be taken

which will alienate UNHCR commitment to Hong Kong's

refugee problem. Although UNHCR opposes in principle

any proposals which do not conform entirely with

U.N. Conventions and Protocols, it accepts the reality

of the situation in Hong Kong and it is judged that it

will accept a decision to introduce closed camps.

& not altogether Financed.

Conclusion

35.

Closed camps on the lines described in this

X

paper are feasible at a cost. That is to say :

(a)

The camps would accommodate new arrivals

from a current date together with certain

others and those not yet landed if Members

so advise. (see paragraphs 5

-

9).

(b) The UNHCR would be provided with access to

refugees on a regulated basis.

(See

paragraph 10).

"(c)