TNAG-1425-FCO40-1908-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-general-1985 — Page 45

FCS/85/140

HKD

CONFIDENTIAL

st:

PS/MILUCE

уп PS/PUS

Sir lottarding

Dr wüson

SEAD

MKK 243/5

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

2 ? MAY 1985

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8B25

243/5.

178

Vietnamese Refugees in Hong Kong: Seetri Report and Future Policy

1. In recent months FCO officials in conjunction with the

Hong Kong Government have carried out a study of the problem

of Vietnamese refugees in Hong Kong, and have prepared the enclosed paper. The paper sets out the factual position,

predicts how it will develop if matters are allowed to ride,

and examines the various options available. It was not specifically

prepared in connection with the SCORRI report, but in my

view serves as a suitable basis for deciding our policy and

hence our reaction to SCORRIS recommendations. There is growing Parliamentary pressure on the Government to devise a strategy

for dealing with the problem, as the two recent Adjournment

debates (on 9 and 14 May) have shown.

Background

2. The paper's general prognosis (paras 12-13) is that unless

there is early action to contain the problem, the situation

is likely to deteriorate. On reasonable assumptions it could

deteriorate quite rapidly between now and 1988. We could

eventually face rioting in the camps: such a situation, besides

creating difficult security problems and much human misery,

would certainly result in widespread criticism or condemnation

of HMG, who would generally be seen as responsible. We

cannot avoid our constitutional responsibility for Hong Kong. For these reasons a policy of inaction at this stage seems

neither viable nor sensible.

3.

On the other hand there are no easy options, nor can

we say with any certainty that any of the courses of action

CONFIDENTIAL

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