TNAG-1273-FCO40-1623-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 121

CONFIDENTIAL

leaving Vietnam.

Diminished prospects for resettlement

have also placed overcrowded Hong Kong, which has an outstanding

record both as a place of first asylum and for absorbing

refugees into its own community, in an unenviable position.

[If Pressed] The purpose of the closed centres is to

provide the necessary discouragement. The centres do not

fully accord with the International Covenant on Civil and

Political Rights which has been extended to Hong Kong. But

as a temporary and regrettable necessity in these unique

circumstances they are well run with the full cooperation of

the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, who also

helps to fund the centres.

8.

IS CONSIDERATION BEING GIVEN TO FORCIBLE REPATRIATION OF REFUGEES TO VIETNAM?

Any suggestion of repatriation would have to be considered

very carefully. The idea bristles with difficulties.

C-E

9.

WHAT IS THE CURRENT POLICY TOWARDS VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG?

I would refer the honourable Member to the replies which

my honourable Friend (Mr Rifkind) gave to my honourable Friend

the Member for Hazel Grove (Mr Arnold) on 14, 21 and 28 March.

10. WHAT OBLIGATIONS WERE UNDERTAKEN AT THE 1979 BOAT PEOPLE

CONFERENCE AT GENEVA?

Britain agreed to take a quota of 10,000 boat people from

Hong Kong. This has now been filled. We continue to deal

with rescues by UK registered shipping on a case-by-case

basis, treating Hong Kong like any other port of first asylum.

11. WHAT IS THE GOVERNMENT'S ATTITUDE TOWARDS POLISH REFUGEES?

Poles in the UK or visiting the UK

(a)

I refer the honourable Member to the statement

/of my