TNAG-1224-FCO40-1537-Visits-to-the-UK-by-official-and-unofficial-members-of-the-E-1983 — Page 123

CONFIDENTIAL

LORD BELSTEAD'S MEETING WITH SIR S Y CHUNG, SENIOR UNOFFICIAL

MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ON THURSDAY 5 MAY : OTHER ISSUES

POINTS TO MAKE

VIETNAMESE REFUGEES

1.

Signs that exodus from Vietnam is diminishing.

is borne out during coming "refugee season"

Hope this

2.

[DEFENSIVE]

Very careful consideration given to possibility of UK taking ou more on Vietnamese refugees. Regret that impossible to offer further help at present but sympathise with Hong Kong's problem.

Looking at ways to help alleviate it, eg by approaches to UNHCR,

US etc.

3.

Have also looked very carefully at question of involuntary repatriation of refugees to Vietnam. Afraid that we

could not justify this in Parliament or to public opinion.

NATIONALITY

Discretionary Registration Under Section 4(5) of the BNA 1981

4.

Realise interest in this matter in Hong Kong. Discussing

handling of applications with the Home Office.

5.

Must realise that HMG could not accept open-ended

immigration commitment: would in any case weaken confidence in

Hong Kong. Envisaged when Act was passed that Home Secretary

would only exercise his discretion sparingly.

6.

[IF PRESSED] Possible for unsuccessful applicants to reapply if they consider the circumstances of their particular

case have changed.

CONFIDENTIAL