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54
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MR RENTON'S LUNCH WITH THE US AMBASSADOR+27 NOVEMBER 1985
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG
4KK 2243 62 RECEIVED IN REL-TRY
1C DEC 1985
POINTS TO MAKE
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
PA
PEGISTRY
Action Taken
ي
1.
Most grateful for all that US has done over the years to assist with resettlement from Hong Kong.
2.
a
cases
As you may know, HMG announced on 26 September, in response to report by SCORRI, that we would accept some 500 family reunion falling outside the normal criteria for settlement in the UK. Since then we have been approaching other countries to take additional numbers of refugees from Hong Kong, in the light of our initiative. At present still 10,000 refugees in Hong Kong camps.
3.
Before leaving the US Administration, Ambassador Douglas said he would explore possibility of "quick gesture" of support to boost ou r diplomatic effort. Any chance of this? An early positive decision would greatly
us, both in itself and with our
help
approaches to other countries.
4.
Understand newly-established Indo-Chinese Refugee Panel is undertaking review of US policy. Is this likely to have effect on your level of resettlement from Hong Kong? to reach conclusions?
When is the panel likely
5.
Some
Responses by other countries (defensive)
encouraging signs
-
eg Australia has announced decision to take 200 more from Hong Kong. But suspect many countries may be waiting to take their lead from the US response.
6. Voluntary repatriation (defensive)
We would willingly pursue this if there were more volunteers in the camp s in Hong Kong and if Vietnamese Government showed willingness to take back those that do volunteer. So far this has not been the
case.
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