TNAG-1279-FCO40-1630-Repatriation-of-Vietnamese-refugees-from-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 52

CONFIDENTIAL

LORD BELSTEAD'S MEETING WITH THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG AT

11.45 AM ON THURSDAY 10 MARCH

VIETNAMESE REFUGEES

POINTS TO MAKE

1.

Consideration has now been given at high level to the

possibility of the UK taking additional Vietnamese refugees from

Hong Kong. Regret HMG unable to make any further concessions. Disappointing but in view of the political climate here not

surprising.

2.

The Secretary of State has strong reservations about

repatriation. As you know he wanted HMA Hanoi's views before

instructing him to do anything. We have these now (and you have

seen) but before making any recommendations to the Secretary of

State on the basis of these, wanted to hear your views.

3.

Have seen proposals in Hong Kong telegram number 263 of 23 February. Grateful for anything you can add.

[IF GOVERNOR REITERATES PROPOSALS FOR DISCUSSING REPATRIATION

WITH VIETNAMESE]

4.

I will consider very carefully before making

recommendations to the Secretary of State. There are serious

problems even in making an approach, in particular likely

criticism that we were contemplating a deal with an unreliable

government. But I will take everything you have said about

Hong Kong's special position fully into account.

CONFIDENTIAL