CONFIDENTIAL
interest.
8.
But there are more immediate problems for us to consider too. I am acutely conscious of the widespread concern that is felt in
Hong Kong about the deteriorating problem of Vietnamese boat people.
My visit will give me the opportunity to study the situation at
first hand. I shall be having detailed discussions with the
Governor and his officials about the problem and I would very much
value your views too. The British Government are continuing to do
what we can to help, both through resettlement and through
international action to achieve a durable solution. As to what
further steps can or should be taken, I come with an open mind.
9.
Emigration is another issue which concerns us. We must not
ignore the phenomenon, yet to overreact would serve only to aggravate the situation. We must monitor emigration trends closely,
and see what can be done to make people want to stay; to make it
easy for those who have left to return; and to ensure that people of
the right calibre are ready to move into jobs left vacant by those
who go.
That is why I welcome the Task Force which has been set up
to look into these matters.
10. These are no doubt many other matters which members will wish
to raise. I look forward to hearing your views on all these
questions.
Thank you for your welcome here today.
CONFIDENTIAL
Hong Kong Department May 1988
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.