11
CONFIDENTIAL
Increasing resettlement
6.
resettlement
is
There is no doubt that the key to any greater success by HMG in
persuading
countries to increase their offtake
action by the UK itself to take more refugees from Hong Kong.
Without this we and Hong Kong are in an impossible position in
seeking to persuade other countries to do more: this has been made
clear on many occasions by UNHCR and other resettlement countries.
Although Our record is not a bad one (we have accepted 12,500
Vietnamese from Hong Kong since 1979), in the last 3 years
resettlement here has fallen drastically (we have accepted less than
500 from Hong Kong in that time, including only 88
1984) and
other resettlement countries are aware of this.
7.
in
500 cases now
We therefore consider that we should make a major effort to get
a further resettlement programme in this country started. The
climate for this is now slightly better: in their report published
this week SCORRI have recommended that a more forthcoming attitude
be adopted on family reunion cases (there are 400
under consideration), and that if necessary Britain should accept a
small share of those who are hard to resettle and have spent years
in Hong Kong camps
There is considerable
from the
right, for the thesis that we should do more to help Hong Kong.
There is some evidence that the Home Office are beginning to adopt a
more flexible posture. The SCORRI recommendations will help in this
respect.
•
even support,
8.
However while a decision to admit the family reunion cases would
undoubtedly be helpful, we do not
think that it would be sufficient
on a long term basis to persuade other resettlement countries to
continue taking larger numbers from Hong Kong. A one off gesture
Xlikely to be largely forgotten within a couple of years.
continuing off take by the
needed is a
such an off take
is somewhat
strengthen our arm adequately
UK.
is
What
is
Clearly any figure for
arbitrary: but our view is
that to
resettlement
in
dealing with other
countries, a figure of the order of 500 a year is necessary.
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CONFIDENTIAL
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