TNAG-1273-FCO40-1623-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 162

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CONFIDENTIAL

ник 24311

3 1 JAN 1983

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LORD BELSTEAD'S MEETING WITH SIR EDWARD -YOUDE GCMG MBE, GOVERNØR

OF HONG KONG ON FRIDAY 28 JANUARY: OTHER ISSUES

POINTS TO MAKE

OVERSEAS STUDENTS' FEES

1.

Overseas Students' Trust report helpful. Hong Kong Government's cost sharing proposals being examined. Fully understand Hong Kong's concern. Difficulty is to find extra money needed, but will take Hong Kong's interests fully into account. Expect HMG to formulate a view soon.

HOUSE OF LORDS RULING

2.

House of Lords ruling on local education authority awards separate from general fees issue. Department of Education and Science are studying carefully the ruling and its implications. We understand Hong Kong's concern that HMG's reaction will have Serious serious political implications.

VIETNAMESE REFUGEES

3.

But

Remember our discussion when I was in Hong Kong. I

agreed to consider: closed camps, a fresh UK quota and

repatriation. Regret unable as yet to give firm answers. hope to respond very soon. Grateful if your proposals on repatriation are not publicised more than necessary. Do not want public debate on human rights aspects before policy is

agreed.

4.

[DEFENSIVE] Secretary of State still considering. Cannot say anything before his final decision.

CONFIDENTIAL

/LEGAL