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(b) the fact that the vast majority of these
"refugees" claimed to be seeking better
economic prospects rather than to be fleeing from political persecution; and
(c) the problems posed thereby for resettlement
countries and countries of first asylum.
We envisage that our first efforts within the Group would be to establish what common ground might exist. We should need to consider in due course how and when places of first asylum might be brought into these consultations. Our
initial view is that, subject to the views of Honolulu Group members, they might be brought in around early 1987.
7.
in
We understand that our request to be involved Honolulu Group discussions will be discussed at a Group meeting in Geneva on 11 October. Most members of the Group reacted positively to our request, except for the Australians, who initially doubted whether the UK should be
involved.
It would be ideal if the question of our inclusion in the Group could be resolved swiftly, SO that we could participate in the meeting on 11 October. If this is not possible, we should aim at least to deploy the points to make with members of the Group during EXCOM.
Rescue at Sea
Establishment of a Ship Rescue ("RASRO") Transit Centre in Hong Kong
8. Hong Kong and UNHCR agreed in principle in February to establish a ship rescue transit centre in Hong Kong, after negotiations to site it in the Philippines broke down; it is now operational; its costs are met by UNHCR.
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