TNAG-1426-FCO40-1909-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-general-1985 — Page 167

CONFIDENTIAL

CLOSED CAMPS

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SCORRI RECOMMENDATION

[DEFENSIVE)

A

6. We are considering this recommendation very carefully. Do not regard closed camps as satisfactory or desirable. But must point

out that Hong Kong arrivals have decreased considerably more sharply

than those for the South East Asian region since policy was introduced, and no doubt it has been effective. Wide support for policy in Hong Kong: comparison with Chinese illegal immigrants who

are repatriated despite close ties with territory. No firm decision

yet but misleading to suppose early ending of closed camp policy

possible.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

7. Most grateful for UNHCR efforts in this respect. Hong Kong

Government are looking into ways of making further improvements: but finance will be a problem. Hope UNHCR will be willing to

assist.

ABSORPTION OF REFUGEES BY HONG KONG

8. Very difficult: much opposition in Hong Kong; danger that it

might attract publicity, which would reach Vietnam and encourage other ethnic Chinese to travel to Hong kong. Hong Kong Government's

response to SCORRI recommendation that they take ethnic Chinese from

open camps will almost certainly be strongly influenced by how much

resettlement countries are prepared to do. Their minds not closed,

but would have to be in context of a real acceleration of

resettlement generally.

CONFIDENTIAL

МКК 2431s

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RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

06 JUN 1985

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