It was agreed that while it was important to push continuously for a broader approach to the problem, British agencies should come forward with some public positive support for Hong Kong in recognition of the fact that there were immediate problems needing short-term solutions.
Chris Segar (FCO) reported that since the decision that involuntary repatriation could not be justified, the FCO had been looking to UNHCR and the major resettlement countrie to find short and mid-term solutions. Longer term perspectives, such as aid, were polic questions that would be considered, but were more difficult and had to be seen in the political context. It was recognised that the dramatic cuts in resettlement offers were due to policy decisions made by resettlement countries and he was therefore not
However, efforts could very optimistic that a major change in numbers was likely. be made to ensure that Hong Kong received a larger percentage of resettlement offers within South East Asia.
It was agreed that the problem did have to be seen in the context of the whole political situation in South East Asia, and that any attempt to find long-term solutions would have to include solutions to problems such as Kampuchea.
d) Martin Barber added that at the Ditchley Conference the point had been made that
the official immigration figures in the UK contained the refugee intake within them. This meant that if the Government was anxious to keep immigration figures low, it was unlikely to consider a further refugee quota at this time.
In view of all the points raised, the Committee agreed that any approach to HM Govern ment should wait until after the General Election, when the problem of Vietnamese A special meeting refugees in Hong Kong would be raised in this broader context.
necessary.
of the Committee would be called to discuss the details if this was felt
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