TNAG-1748-FCO40-2467-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1988 — Page 69

TABADX

CONFIDENTIAL

VISIT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO HONG KONG: 29-31 MAY 1988

BRIEF NO 9: VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE

CHECKLIST OF POINTS TO MAKE

1.

[With Governor]: practical implications of new policy need

Would new policy deter?

to be thought through very carefully.

Not sanguine about new resettlement commitment. Careful handling of

international dimension needed

2.

[To OMELCO, others]: sympathise with appalling problem.

Understand need to consider whether prsent policy is not effective one. HMG helping through (a) international efforts, (b) continuing

resettlement.

Will be speaking to colleagues on return. Will look at all

aspects of problem.

3.

4.

5.

Ready to discuss with UNHCR funding for Hong Kong.

Most of problem lies in Vietnam.

CONFIDENTIAL