TNAG-1425-FCO40-1908-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-general-1985 — Page 156

Durable Solutions

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Not only looking at ways to solve Hong Kong's problem but also the wider perspective. Need for lasting solution to problem of Indo-Chinese refugees. This is subject to which we together with other resettlement and first asylum countries, and UNHCR, have given much thought. Looking to future, agree with UNHCR that resettlement in Western countries such as UK is least desirable long term solution. Recognise that transfer of refugees with their own strong cultural tradition to unfamiliar and remote industrialised countries

creates problems of adaptation. Ideal goal is to create conditions in which refugees will want to return to their countries of origin

of their own free will.

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