TNAG-1425-FCO40-1908-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-general-1985 — Page 258

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

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.

up is soo pa. within lami, nonnin

รว

CONFIDENTIAL

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