TNAG-1185-FCO40-1487-Resettlement-of-Vietnamese-refugees-from-Hong-Kong-into-the--1982 — Page 61

CONFIDENT IA L

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION

11.

The anxiety of the HKG about any new exodus of refugees

from Vietnam is understandable, particularly in view of the

difficulties of accommodating refugees pending re-settlement.

However it is suggested that the decision made by Ministers in

the case of Brunei should apply a fortiori to any consideration

of expelling refugees away from Hong Kong and likewise to any

proposals for such operations to be conducted with the assistance

of the Royal Navy.

12.

FCO officials have been consulted and agree the terms and

conclusions of this submission. 700 Ministers are being consulted

in parallel and, subject to their views Minister(AP)'s agreement

is sought for CAPIC Hong Kong to be instructed not to agree to

any involvement in actions by the HKG aimed at expelling the

refugees Trom Hong Kong waters. The PCO will, it is proposed,

take up the matter with the Hong Kong Government.

CCNFIDENTIAL

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