TNAG-1279-FCO40-1630-Repatriation-of-Vietnamese-refugees-from-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 32

DSR 11C

D

5.

CONFIDENTIAL

It is important that we maintain the best possible

relations between ourselves and Hong Kong, particularly

while we are involved in delicate negotiations over the

future of the territory. Our credibility with the

Executive Council and that of the Governor as an

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effective advocate of their interests could be critically

affected by this case. We particularly need to be

helpful in the light of the recent refusal by the Home

Secretary to increase significantly the very small

numbers of Vietnamese refugees now allowed into the

United Kingdom. This refusal must seem unreasonable to

EXCO while we apparently expect Hong Kong to bear an

indefinite burden. Therefore, despite the difficulties

that Mr Pike has pointed out, and recognising that the

chances of success are small, I recommend that he should

be instructed to approach the Vietnamese Government about

repatriation.

Action with UNHCR and Public Line

6.

We need to consider carefully how to handle the

UNHCR and public opinion. We have hitherto accepted the

view that all boat people should be treated as refugees

and that UNHCR should take the lead in arranging their

resettlement from places of first asylum, such as Hong

Kong. It would be important to let UNHCR know in advance

that we intended to approach the Vietnamese, while

emphasising that we had not yet taken any decision on

repatriation.

CONFIDENTIAL