TNAG-1789-FCO40-2549-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-general-1989 — Page 104

UNCLASSIFIED

[conditions in detention centres] Hong Kong Government's

policy is that conditions in these centres should be no more

restrictive than those applied in closed centres prior to the change

in policy.

[ill-treatment of boat people] Hong Kong Government are as

concerned as you are that boat people should be well treated. Any allegations of ill-treatment will be fully investigated by the Hong

Kong authorities.

Disturbances at Hei Ling Chau on 19 July

Independent enquiry appointed by the Governmor recognised that

Correctional Services Department staff were operating under

considerable pressure at the time of incident, but concluded that

unnecessary force was used by some unidentified officers.

Hong Kong Government have acted very quickly as a result of

report to examine operational procedures, and are considering

whether disciplinary action should be taken against the staff

involved.

Hong Kong Government have introduced a series of measures

designed to improve the conditions in Hei Ling Chau. These include

improved food distribution and diet, the use of plain clothes for

regular staff, attendance by staff at special management training

courses and short Vietnamese language courses, improvements to

staffing levels, and the preparation of an information booklet on arrangements and life in detention centres for distribution to

Vietnamese.

UK Resettlement

We have an honourable record.

I

Since 1975, 20,000 refugees from Indo China have come to

Britain 13,000 are Vietnamese boat people from Hong Kong.

UNCLASSIFIED