CONFIDENTIAL
view of this problem and continue to lead
the world in shouldering the burden of
resettling refugees from Hong Kong.
Ambassador
Douglas on his tour in November hinted that
the Americans might be prepared to pick up
the outstanding backlog in a few years'
time. We believe it is not too early to
look at the situation in these terms now.
Even if the Americans will do no more now,
a firmer commitment to help clear the backlog
in due course would do much to calm Hong
Kong's fears of being left with a residue,
and reassure them during the summer period
when their refugee population is almost
certain to show another sharp seasonal
rise.
CONFIDENTIAL
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