TNAG-1532-FCO40-2096-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-closed-camp-policy-1986 — Page 124

HK 3AF S

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

London SW1A 2AH

ра

fue

Telephone 01- 233 3988

71,

Ms Paula Chitty

The Buddhist Society 58 Eccleston Square LONDON SWIV IPU

Dear Mrs. Clitty

Your reference

Our reference

HKK 243/1

Date 7 January 1986

Thank you for your letter of 10 December to the Secretary of

State Howe, enclosing a copy of a paper prepared by Miss Jennie Street on Vietname se refugees in Hong Kong. I have been asked to reply.

for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Sir Geoffrey

We have received the Hong

Kong Government's detailed comments on the two issues which

you have highlighted in your letter. The Hong Kong Government has commented on the alleged proselytising of refugees to the effect that it has received one report that a member of a voluntary agency

agency was

was proselytising in chi Ma Wan camp. This was being done without the knowledge and approval of the Salvation Army, who provide a range of social services in Chi Ma Wan. When this wa s drawn to the attention of the Salvation Army the person concerned was dismissed. voluntary agencies and the Hong Kong Government seek that social services are not "exchanged" for religion. and Christian priests visit the camp s regularly to refugees to practise whatever religion they wish. Religious

Both the

to ensure Buddhist enable the

to

ceremonies are permitted and refugees are free to attend or not attend as they wish. The Hong Kong Government has also encouraged more non-denominational agencies, such a s Save the Children Fund and International Social Services, to work in the closed camps.

joss

On the allegation of the denial to Buddhists of shrines, sticks and tablets, the Hong Kong Government has commented that refugees may take to the camps whatever personal belongings they wish. Shrines may not be kept in dormitories in view of the limited space, but are not taken away and burnt; nor are joss sticks and candles,

candles, which are used in religious services in the camps.

Religious pictures and statues ma y be kept in the dormitories and members of particular religious groups often tend to congregate in one dormitory. No attempt is made to restrict religious worship of any sort within the closed camps.

314

нке TECEIVED IN REGISTRY

08 JAN1986

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

PA

#EGISTRY