POINTS TO MAKE
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
CONFIDENTIAL
New exodus of Vietnamese refugees very worrying. Unless urgent action taken, whole concept of first asylum may be under threat.
Renewed hardline attitude of Thai authorities worrying. But reflects pressure Thailand and other first asylum countries (Hong Kong) facing from renewed exodus from Vietnam. Arrivals in
૧ Hong Kong have increased rapidly in last months, resettlement offers dwindling alarmingly.
-
+tday M
Underlines need for concerted approach to Vietnam to persuade Vietnamese authorities to improve voluntary repatriation measures,
under suitable safex warts
and agree to take back t
back those who do not fulfil refugee criteria.
RESETTLEMENT IN UK
Our decision last year to accept a further 468 Vietnamese refugees from Hong Kong significant commitment, given pressures and
constraints. At this stage our resettlement commitments have been extended as far as possible.
Must not forget our record: 20,000 Indo-Chinese resettled in UK
since 1975. Nearly 13,000 of these Vietnamese refugees from Hong
Kong.
We scrupulously adhere to our commitments under the UN Convention
the Status of Refugees and follow the procedures outlined by
UNHCR.
CLOSED CAMPS IN HONG KONG
χ
Closed centre policy was introduced with the greatest reluctance to avert a situation in which the level of new arrivals was rapidly
becoming intolerable.
(If pressed) Arrivals dropped off dramatically for 3 years after introduction of policy. Despite recent upsurge, we still feel policy having detevent effect on others who would otherwise
be cominy.
/But
CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.