TNAG-1181-FCO40-1483-Resettlement-of-Vietnamese-refugees-from-Hong-Kong-into-the--1982 — Page 123

dr Edge.

103

HONG

KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE

6 GRAFTON STREET

LONDON

WIX 3 LB

Our Ref: VR/HK

Secretary for Security

8 June 1982

Security Branch

Government Secretariat

Central Government Offices Lower Albert Road

Hong Kong

ник 243

RELIVE

(Attn: Mr John Heywood)

UNDEK

No

CGE

10% 1AP 10/16 1016

Last week, Patrick called Stan Spence at the Home Office to sound him out on the question of family reunion criteria for Vietnamese refugees from Hong Kong. Regrettably, but perhaps to be expected, Stan advised that the present climate is positively adverse; that the boat rescues

on top of the Hong Kong quota have swollen numbers; that in general, the Falklands crisis and all the related worry and concern are making for difficult times for the Government here.

The conclusion is therefore that it would not be advisable to raise the matter at this juncture. It will be a matter of "tactics" and timing as to how and when to take this up with HMG later.

In the light of recent developments in Hong Kong, I suggest that this should be re-examined when your Branch has completed the review of Hong Kong's policy towards Vietnamese refugees. One further thought : the time is drawing near when Mrs Maggie Thatcher visits Hong Kong and it is for consideration whether it would not be better to raise this with her. After all, it was her initiative in 1979 which first gave relief to Hong Kong's burden.

TELEPHONE: 01-499 9821

.../

I

CABLES: HONGAID LONDONW!