TNAG-1749-FCO40-2468-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1988 — Page 83

COZACX

CABINET, 2 JUNE 1988

VISIT TO HONG KONG

Points to Make

1.

CONFIDENTIAL

Visited Hong Kong between 29 and 31 May.

2.

3.

4.

Purpose:

-

to reaffirm HMG's commitment to territory and its

transition

to discuss current problems, in particular Vietnamese boat

people.

Impressions:

continuing economic success, imaginative planning for

future

but underlying unease, emigration among professional classes a particular cause of concern

debate on Basic Law only slowly coming into focus believe I was able to do something, in public speech and private discussion, to reassure about our commitment, urge Hong Kong people to have greater confidence in themselves.

Main worry influx of boat people from Vietnam

almost eight-fold increase in arrivals this year little realistic prospect of resettlement for most mostly economic migrants, not refugees in strict sense strong pressure for firmer policy: those not meeting refugee criteria would be held pending repatriation to

Vietnam.

5.

I took line that present situation could not go on, would need to discuss on return. Already in contact with colleagues directly

concerned: shall put proposals to them shortly.

CONFIDENTIAL

POINTS

то MARE