SUPAAL
C.
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
RESTRICTED
FURTHER RESETTLEMENT IN UK/PRESSURE FROM HONG KONG
Well aware of great concern in Hong Kong about this issue. conscious of our responsibility to territory. Doing everything possible to help relieve Hong Kong of its refugee burden.
Very
Decision to accept a further 468 Vietnamese refugees from Hong Kong significant commitment, given pressures and constraints. Our resettlement commitments have been extended as far as possible. Cannot at present announce any further moves.
Our record since 1975; 20,000 Indo-Chinese for resettlement
Nearly 13,000 of these Vietnamese refugees from Hong Kong.
here.
RATE OF INTAKE INTO BRITAIN
Resettlement of refugees primarily matter for my rt hon.
Friend
the Home Secretary.
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Understand reception of refugees puts considerable demands on local resources. Is judged that gradual flow of around 20 a month is most easily handled.
The voluntary agencies have an important role to play. Government ensures that they receive adequate financial support.
RESETTLEMENT ELSEWHERE
Following our recent initiative, our diplomatic campaign for further resettlement places for refugees from Hong Kong a major priority. Some additional places have been offered as a result of our representations.
Assure the House we will persist in efforts to persuade resettlement countries to do more for Hong Kong.
STATUS OF REFUGEES AFTER 1997?
Our firm intention that Vietnamese refugee problem in Hong Kong should be resolved well before 1997.
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