TNAG-1534-FCO40-2098-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-repatriation-1986 — Page 110

CONFIDENTIAL

19.

There are signs

resettlement

for

(linked with the developments

described in para 10 above) that the main

countries are becoming more interested in finding alternatives to continuing third country resettlement

Vietnamese emigrants. Places of first asylum have long been impatient at the burdens placed upon them both by the continuing flow from Vietnam and by the increasing reluctance of third countries to resettle those waiting in the transit camps. We think that governments might well be

receptive to the suggestion that we should now explore together, in cooperation with UNHCR, to what extent those now leaving should be considered economic migrants rather than refugees, and what possible alternative solutions can

be identified for them.

20.

for

action.

international

native

an awful teron.

to

If it proved possible to establish agreed criteria to distinguish between a refugee and an economic migrant the second phase of discussion would involve identifying options

be The logical approach would

explore

arrangements under which genuine refugees would as now be resettled outside Vietnam, while those who had left because of economic deprivation rather

than political

(the persecution

great majority) returned to Vietnam. Such action could be taken only if a collective approach to Vietnam by the governments involved,

the

UNHCR,

had

by

Vietnamese authorities

would not be subjected to

endorsed

secured

economic

or

even

represented

from agreement

the

migrants

treatement

that

we

see

on their return.

little

prospect

were

first

that

harsh very

improrati

It must be admitted however

of

in this

present

or

foreseeable circumstances.

The 21.

discussions which we would undertake

and UNHCR

national governments are unlikely

results in the short

with the

or

even the

difficulties of reaching

a

consensus

matter should not be underestimated.

about involuntary

repatriation

to

to produce

medium term.

on this sensitive

Many will have doubts

if the even Vietnam,

The

Vietnamese authorities provided the necessary assurances:

CONFIDENTIAL.