TNAG-1755-FCO40-2475-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1988 — Page 5

1

fice (145)

DEBATE ON THE QUEEN'S ADDRESS: FOREIGN AFFAIRS DEBATE 23 NOVEMBER (LORDS) AND 25 NOVEMBER (COMMONS) SUMMING-UP

HKB 040/2

VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG

12 NOV 28

Bull points

Have always made it clear we will continue to deal with this problem in a humane way

Situation in Hong Kong has declined over last year: now 25,000 Vietnamese boat people there, compared with a low of 8,000 last year. 15,500 are refugees awaiting resettlement.

New Hong Kong Government policy provides for screening of all arrivals since 16 June in accordance with UNHCR guidelines.

to resettlement Genuine refugees will continue to have access elsewhere. Those who are not refugees will be accommodated in Hong Kong while satisfactory arrangements are made for their eventual return to Vietnam.

Close consultation with UNHCR on all aspects of this problem

We believe all except genuine refugees must go back to Vietnam, once satisfactory arrangements have been made for treatment on

return.

Future lies in Vietnam. No other prospects.

At recent talks in London Vietnamee respresentatives agreed comprehensive arrangements needed for all post 15 June

so volunteers non-refugees. As first step return of first 400 or will begin shortly through UNHCR organised programme, providing for monitoring and humanitarian treatment of those who return.

No question of sending back anyone with refugee status.

No question of sending anyone back without satisfactory arrangements for proper treatment on return.