TNAG-1274-FCO40-1624-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 10

ال العمانية

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(g)

France. I had several discussions with the French seeking an understanding of why Hong Kong did not really feature in their large programme. This was explained by: their commitment to ODP, ship rescues cases and Thailand and Indonesia with whom they have specific agreements. However these expire in January and June respectively and their overall programme will be reviewed in the "early spring". They conceded, but only at a junior level, that Hong Kong should be included in this review.

Conclusion. We should lobby in Paris early in the New Year.

9.

(h) Others. There seemed to be nowhere else

which offered any significant help. Resettlement is now as politically

unacceptable in Switzerland as it is in the U.K. There was; however, some talk in the margins among UNHCR and ICM of large projects in Ecuador and Venezuela or Bolivia. The officials concerned are pursuing these and, in order to avoid their failing through getting off to the wrong start, we agreed that we would not discuss this except on a need-to-know basis, i.e. we would not discuss the possibility outside Security Branch. have no idea how feasible they are but Ralph Jenny of ICM and Jamshid Anvar of UNHCR are taking the leads respectively and keenly.

I

I also had many discussions with the UNHCR and his staff. Mr. Hartling assured me that he continued to press Hong Kong's case and that voluntary repatriation was around the next comer. But interestingly he was not aware of the North Vietnamese dimension. I had a wide ranging tour d'horizon with Mr. Smyser, his Deputy, who made the same points and said that voluntary repatriation was definitely going to be the priority for the next 12 months. This was essential since resettlement was no longer a realistic solution : he did not however expect there to be many cases to start with but the important thing was to make a start. I also saw Mr. Simmington. You should know that his post is to be abolished and he is returning to the Australian Diplomatic Service at the end of next month. He intends however to visit you before he goes His responsibilities will be taken on by Mr. Jamshid Anvar, who is responsible for Asia in Geneva and in whom both I and UKMIS Geneva have more confidence. Anvar I am

CONFIDENTIAL

/convinced