TNAG-1392-FCO40-1864-Future-of-Hong-Kong-briefing-for-meetings-and-visits-1985 — Page 179

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(3)

(4)

There would certainly be a parliamentary and public outcry if the approach became known publicly. The SCORRI report

states that compulsory repatriation "could never be

countenanced for refugees and is inconceivable even for

obvious economic migrants in present circumstances".

It might undermine our stand against human rights abuses

in Vietnam and the approaches we make on behalf of Orderly

Departure Programme candidates.

15. In spite of the evident difficulties, we consider that the

balance

of

Government.

to Mr Luce on

argument lies in favour of our instructing HM Ambassador

Hanoi to broach the subject of repatriation with the Vietnamese

We should need to try to clear Our lines with UNHCR

first, although it is plain from what the UN High Commissioner said

1 2 March that UNHCR are against involuntary

repatriation as a matter of principle. The nature of

the approach

would need to be considered carefully both in order to encourage the

prospect of constructive dialogue with the Vietnamese and to reduce the strength of the outcry in this country should it become public.

Our aim should be to present the problem as one imposed on the West

We should refer to our previous

on (voluntary) repatriation. We

by the Vietnamese themselves.

discussions with the Vietnamese

should point out that while in the past Hong Kong has been able to

cope with the problems caused by the outflow from Vietnam, the

situation has now become unmanageable, and we are therefore having

to contemplate returning boat people to Vietnam on arrival in Hong

Kong, just as we return illegal immigrants from China.

We would ask

whether the Vietnamese would be prepared to cooperate by accepting

those returned, and to provide any assurances as to the treatment

afforded them after return.

We would not specify that this

repatriation would be on an involuntary basis (thought that would

a s a

the clear implication). This would make it less easy for the

Vietnamese to embarrass us publicly about the approach, which could

continuation of previous contacts that we and

questioned publicly we

of repatriation unless

to the

If

be represented

the UNHCR have had on repatriation.

should say that there will be no question

credible and

satisfactory

assurances

are

received as

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