RESTRICTED
this country.
further 420 in
in this
We have since conducted a
vigorous diplomatic campaign to this end at both
Ministerial and official levels, and have received in
response firm offers of places for over 1,100 refugees.
Canada's Position
5. Canada is (after the US) the second largest resettler of Vietnamese refugees from Hong Kong. It has absorbed some 18,000 since 1975 (compared to 12,000 taken by the UK). Canada was one of the first countries to respond to our diplomatic campaign, offering an increase of 50 (to 650) in its 1986 quota; such an increase was encouraging, in the light of the reduction in Canada's total intake this year from SE Asia.
6.
The further increase of 450 in Canada's quota for Hong Kong mentioned in the High Commissioner's letter follows
the pattern of 1984 and 1985, when the Canadians made major mid-year increases in their quotas. The total projected Canadian intake of 1,100 refugees from Hong Kong for 1986
is the same as that for 1985.
7.
The High Commissioner' S letter reiterates Canada's
view that international efforts are needed to reduce the size of Hong Kong's refugee population. The Canadians are also interested in HMG's intentions on further resettlement
from Hong Kong. The Government Reply last September was non-committal on this point, promising only to consider accepting further limited numbers of refugees "in the light of the willingness shown by other resettlement countries to
respond to
to Hong Kong's needs and of all the circumstances
at the time". The draft takes account of these factors.
ствит
17 June 1986
CO Hum
Hong Kong Department
RESTRICTED
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.