IEU
ELMON
GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT
LOWER ALBERT ROAD
HONG KONG
RIR VRJ Gen
(ce Illegally)
6 March 1986
KK 24L3/13.
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
14 MAR 1986
„DESK OFFICER
INDEX
REGISTRY
PA
Action Takan
Ex-China cases and
Voluntary Departure cases
As you are aware, 1985 saw a dramatic increase in the number of boats which arrived in Hong Kong but volunteered to continue their journey. Having had three in the preceeding two years, we had 27 voluntary departure cases in 1985. These voluntary departure cases presented three problems:-
(a) They drew considerably on our resources
My recollection is that each reffer in each closed centre custs about,
р-а £5000 p-a...(of Such UNHCR reimbure about 30%).
(1)
We provide each boat with food, water, clothes, blankets, life jackets and other necessities. We frequently repair the boat. There is a strong feeling that our generosity is being abused. For example, we have had refugees arriving in Hong Kong waters saying that they wish to continue their journey to Taiwan or the Philippines, but their boats are in such unseaworthy condition and contain so little food and water that it is obvious that they are merely using Hong Kong as a reprovisioning stop en route. Having said that, it is much cheaper for us to provide these materials and to repair the boats than to keep those on board in refugee centres in Hong Kong for anything up to a year or more.
It is said that we are encouraging refugees to leave Hong Kong
This accusation is a slight improvement since previously we were said to be pushing refugees away from Hong Kong! These accusations are made because of the dramatic increase in the number of voluntary departure cases from Hong Kong. Our critics, seeking any reason they can get hold of, choose to think that the sudden increase is the result of some action on the part of the Hong Kong Government. It is, as you know, nothing to do with us. Nevertheless, the fact that we provide so much
/assistance...
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