TNAG-1276-FCO40-1626-Resettlement-of-Vietnamese-refugees-from-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 32

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For this purpose, they are planning to set up a central office in Ottawa and 8 branches in various provinces of Canada. The organization will try to raise the funds required for integration, i.e. housing, food, medical care, language and vocational training, etc. They are, however, not able to raise the additional money needed for the administrative costs involved in the setting up of the organization which, for a period of 2 years, comes to an amount of C$250,000.-.

I am invited to visit Canada this year to discuss this attractive proposal in more detail. I would, however, not like to go there with empty hands. The Hong Kong Community Council for the Resettlement of Vietnamese Refugees has, therefore, asked me to assist in raising part or all of the C$250,000.- needed to implement 'Project 5000'.

I am bringing this matter to your attention in the hope that you may be able to assist us in finding in the United Kingdom groups, organizations, or a foundation willing to make a contribution to. this promising 'Burden Sharing Project'.

Since I returned to Hong Kong, the number of Vietnamese Boat Refugees has continued to increase. 3067 refugees arrived between 1 January and 31 August but only 2404 have left Hong Kong during the same period. In other words, 13,655 boat refugees are still waiting in Hong Kong's overcrowded camps

I am aware that the United Kingdom, for a number of valid reasons, is at present in no position to reopen its doors for these people but I do hope that in the spirit of 'Sharing the Burdens' that a way will be found to support the Canadian project which, if properly funded, will result in the resettlement of a meaningful number of boat refugees from Hong Kong.

Thank you very much for your cooperation and advice.

Yours sincerely,

اشره

川

L Stumpf (Chairman)

HK Community Council for the Resettlement

of Vietnamese Refugees

cc: Mr C E Leeks

Mrs L Neugebauer

Mrs G Goodlet

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P.S. I have just been informed that the Hong Kong Government has decided to assume

the full financial responsibility for all expenses involved in my trip to Canada and in addition is prepared to contribute an amount of HK$50,000.- to 'Project 5000'. In doing so, Government departs from its established policy and once again demonstrates its serious concern and interest in finding permanent solutions to Hong Kong's refugee problem.