TNAG-1748-FCO40-2467-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1988 — Page 179

CONFIDENTIAL

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Consulting very closely with Hong Kong Government on way

forward.

Doing all we can to help Hong Kong, in whatever way

practicable.

Our long-term

Responsibility lies with Vietnamese Covernment.

aim must be to persuade them to take boat people back under

acceptable conditions.

Responsiblity lies with Vietnamese Government.our long-term aim must be to persuade them to take boat people back under acceptable conditions.

First Asylum Policy

Understand why OMELCO/HKG feel need to review existing policy and to consider whether it is still appropriate to treat all arrivals from Vietnam automatically as refugees.

Have come with open mind to listen to all the pros and cons: a difficult decision that will require careful thought.

New resettlement

Visit has brought home to me personally severity of situation. Will be speaking to colleagues in London on my return. We will want to look at all aspects of the problem.

(If pressed) cannot be more specific at this stage.

More financial support

UK already makes substantial contribution to UNHCR funds. Will be discussing with UNHCR allocation of resources to Hong Kong

to deal with scale of problem.

CONFIDENTIAL

Hong Kong Department May 1988