TNAG-1273-FCO40-1623-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 82

DSR 11C

CONFIDENTIAL

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(b)

seek their views on the merits of a joint approach

to the Vietnamese to point out the difficulties

and humanitarian problems caused by the continuing

outflow of refugees and to urge them to continue

to increase their efforts to arrange departures

through the ODP.

() while expressing gratitude for past offtake, urge

them to take more refugees from Hong Kong, and not

to reject applicants as being economic migrants

rather than refugees (see para 2(c) above).

FOR ALL

5.

If the question of HMG taking more refugees is raised

you should say that the UK has fulfilled its commitment

made at the 1979 Geneva Conference, and there is no

prospect of a further quota. UK has not been a popular

resettlement destination and resettlements have not

been successful. However, HMG will continue to accept

ship rescue and close family reunion cases, as well as

its obligations under the ODP.

6.

Separate instructions are being sent to Washington

in view of the key role of the US Government. Any further

ideas that Hong Kong may have would be welcome.

CONFIDENTIAL