TNAG-1535-FCO40-2099-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-repatriation-1986 — Page 40

CONFIDENTIAL

DSR 11C

(i) The assent and cooperation of the authorities in

Indochina would be necessary. At the moment,

Vietnam appears more intransigent than Laos or

the Heng Samrin regime in Cambodia.

(ii) Reliable assurances would have to be secured and

verified that those returned suffered no ill-

treatment.

(iii) The right of genuine refugees to refugee status

must be maintained.

(iv) HMG's policy with respect to Indochinese asylum-

seekers must be in accordance with its policies on

refugees generally, with its obligations under the

relevant Conventions to which the UK is a party,

and if possible, with its support of rights of

freedom to change abode.

12. There would undoubtedly be much greater

difficulties if involuntary repatriation were extended

to all current asylum-seekers, rather than to arrivals

after a certain date.

(i) The current public perception that everyone who

has left Indochina as a refugee would be difficult

to counter.

(ii) The authorities in Indochina are likely to demand

CONFIDENTIAL