TNAG-1182-FCO40-1484-Resettlement-of-Vietnamese-refugees-from-Hong-Kong-into-the--1982 — Page 20

HKK 24311

HONG

KONG GOVERNMENT

OFFICE

6

GRAFTON STREET

LONDON WIX 3 L B

PERSONAL

Af13a

Dr Martin Barber

The British Refugee Council

Bondway House

3-9 Bondway

London SW8 1SJ

8 September 1982

Dear Martin

Thank you for calling to tell me that a group of American voluntary agencies had written to you and UNHCR in mid-August to express concern over Hong Kong's new hardline policy towards arrivals from Vietnam. I am particularly grateful that you have taken the trouble to seek clarification about Hong Kong's closed camps before replying to your copy of that letter.

As discussed, I hope the attached note of 19th June gives you sufficient background to Hong Kong's change of policy. However, I do wish to underline the points

below :

(a)

This policy merely brings Hong Kong into line with the rest of the region.

(b)

(c)

(a)

(e)

Community concern, and indeed resentment, had been mounting in Hong Kong over the Vietnamese refugees already in Hong Kong and still arriving.

Only new arrivals entering Hong Kong on or after 2nd July and trouble-makers would be detained in closed camps.

The facilities provided in closed camps are similar to those in open centres except that refugees cannot work outside and cannot leave the camps. But, of course, separate rules have to be drawn up for the good management of closed camps.

Families are not separated.

PHONE: 01-499 9821

.../ (£) Each

CABLES. HONGAID DAN DIGNAL

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