TNAG-1187-FCO40-1489-Hong-Kong-s-closed-camp-policy-for-Vietnamese-refugees-1982 — Page 47

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American Council of Voluntary Agencies for Foreign Service, Inc.

200 PARK AVENUE SOUTH, NEW YORK, NY 10003 (212) 777-8210 CABLE: ACVAFSERVE TELEX: 667828

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GARY CHAIRMAN: Edward E Swansicom

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TIVE DIRECTOR: Leon 0 Marion

The Honorable Poul Hartling

August 19, 1982

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Palais des Nations

CH-1211 Geneve 10, Switzerland

Dear Mr. Hartling:

Reports reaching us from Hong Kong about the treatment meted out to newly arriving Vietnamese refugees fill us with deep apprehension. newspapers friendly to the Hong Kong authorities speak of a "crackdown on refugees," and the "humane but not luxurious conditions" in the closed camps are described in terms that fit prison camps more than refugee camps. From here on, refugees are to be kept in custody and correction officers will be in charge of the camps in which, according to the South China Morning Post of July 16, 1.12 square meters of space will be allotted as living area to each detainee. The refugees will not be permitted to work though cottage industries are to be set up. Pay will be in kind, at a rate of about one to three US dollars a week, just enough "for the refugees to buy toys and sweets for their children." Each refugee will be allowed to write one letter a week and initially a doctor will visit Chimawan every other week.

The immediate purpose of the closed camps is deterrence. Things should be made so unpleasant that when word gets back to Vietnam all those who are thinking of escape for whatever compelling reason will reconsider and elect to stay. Beyond this "humane deterrence" aspect--a contradiction in terms, because if it is to deter it cannot be humane--the new Hong Kong policy, we fear, aims at something more nefarious than making things uncomfortable for refugees. The Hong Kong Immigration Bill of 1982, it is reported, allows the government to repatriate Indochinese refugees. Should Vietnam permit repatriation, what has been happening to all those who have tried to enter Hong Kong from China for close to two years may then happen to Vietnam's boat people. They may be sent back as fast as they arrive.