TNAG-1183-FCO40-1485-Resettlement-of-Vietnamese-refugees-from-Hong-Kong-into-the--1982 — Page 34

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機密

XCC(82)74

(c)

(d)

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the public would generally favour such a course, and probably would not accept less since all persons who enter Hong Kong illegally from China are repatriated; and

AT LENOX

there is also the very real danger that, in the face of greatly reduced resettlement places overseas, Hong Kong which alone in the region allows its refugees the freedom of open camps and local employment, will become the main attraction for those refugees who do manage to leave Vietnam, and possibly be viewed by them as a place of permanent resettlement.

Public Reaction

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Public and news media reaction to the proposals to detain Vietnamese refugees in closed camps has been generally favourable. A few academics and social workers have criticised the proposals on humanitarian grounds. But in general, the proposals have been welcomed as a demonstration of the Govern- ment's determination to come to grips with the Vietnamese refugee problem. An announcement that plans for the establish- ment of closed camps will be implemented will get local support despite the extra cost and provided that UNHCR contributes.

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International reaction is likely to be mixed. Those countries which have reduced their resettlement quotas and restricted their entry criteria for refugees may show understand- ing or acquiescence, but there is certain to be critical comment from some groups concerned with refugees who will oppose the closed camp concept on humanitarian grounds. However, closed camps are the normal accommodation for refugees elsewhere in the region. So these proposals simply put Hong Kong in the same position as the other South East Asian countries. The UNHCR reaction is 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 Portocols, it accepts the reality of the situation in Hong Kong and it is judged that it will accept a decision to introduce closed camps.

Conclusion

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Closed camps on the lines described in this memorandum, are feasible at a cost. That is to say

(a)

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the camps would accommodate new arrivals from

a current date together with certain others but not those not yet landed, if Members so advise (paragraphs 5-9);

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