TNAG-1274-FCO40-1624-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 207

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38TH UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY: BRIEFING ON refugee SITUATIONS

VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG

UK Aims

12.3)

243/1.

HKK 243/1

RECEIVED IN RECISTIY

2 6 AUG 1983

DESK OFHCFS INDEX

REGISTRY

PA

ton Taken

To take appropriate opportunities to refer to Hong Kong's continuing problems, and to defend their closed camp policy.

Line to take

1. Hong Kong has the highest number of boat people awaiting

resettlement in the South East Asian region. 14,000 refugees have

been accepted for resettlement in Hong Kong itself but it cannot

absorb any more. Closed camps are a regrettable necessity in present circumstances.

2.

Resettlement opportunities in third countries are decreasing.

Recent signs that fewer people resorting to flight by boat, but still a danger that Hong Kong will be left with increasing numbers

of refugees with no hope of resettlement.

3. [Defensive only see Indo-Chinese Refugees General brief

background, para 4]

G

UK cannot accept further quota at present. Very few boat people

wish to come to UK. Few historical or cultural ties with UK.

Resettlement of Vietnamese refugees in UK has not been successful.