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have to look after over the next couple of years or more
and I realise that any additional UK quota would be a very
difficult political issue.
4.
On the other hand, it seems to me that there are strong arguments for looking for something that we can do for Hong Kong on this issue without requiring us to accept a significant number of additional refugees.
4
John Belstead, who was out in Hong Kong in December, found that officials there, while appreciating that we cannot provide a magic solution to their refugee problem, felt very strongly that they were on their own now in facing their appalling problem. I need hardly say that it is particularly important at the moment to retain the confidence of Hong Kong at this critical time.
5.
It is also increasingly clear that some of the countries who would normally expect to take a substantial number of Hong Kong's refugees, such as the USA and Australia, are giving priority to other countries in the region. Hong Kong will find it difficult, as shall we, to press these governments to do more for Hong Kong unless there is continuing visible commitment on our part to help
with the refugee burden. One possible step would be some
relaxation of the criteria for family reunion. At present, as I understand it, this is now limited to spouses and minor children of those already settled in the United Kingdom.
I believe that there are a number of cases of older or more
distant relatives in Hong Kong for whom this country would
be a natural destination and whose arrival could indeed be helpful to the settling of families already here. It would
/not involve
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