TNAG-1786-FCO40-2546-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-closed-camp-policy-1988 — Page 190

From The Minister of State

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Mr Indian CC. Mr Adams

Mrs Stewart, BI Div Home office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

London SW1A 2AH

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29 January 1988

dear thi Bale.

I have been asked to reply to your letter of 6 January to the Prime Minister, enclosing the report by Oxfam Hong Kong on Vietnamese refugees in the territory.

I have read the report with interest. I share the concerns which lie behind it, and if I may say so I found it a thought ful analysis of an intractable problem.

I understand that the Hong Kong Government are studying carefully the recommendations which you have made concerning the refugee centres in Hong Kong. They do, of course, try to ensure that the centres are run as humanely as possible within the inevitable constraints; and I know that it is in this spirit that they are considering the way forward.

You raise three other points in your letter; resettlement in the UK; repatriation to Vietnam of those who do not meet the criteria of refugees; and aid to Vietnam.

Chris Bale Esq

Director

Oxfam Hong Kong

Room 604

Hong Kong Bank Building

673 Natham Road

Mongkok

Kowloon

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