TNAG-1789-FCO40-2549-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-general-1989 — Page 73

5.

UNHCR participation had the potential to help preserve the right of asylum for bona fide refugees in the region.

Lord Glenarthur said he understood the concerns that had been

expressed. But it was clear that the future of those screened out lay in Vietnam. There was a great deal of international concern that Vietnam should improve its economy and create better conditions

for its people. Ministers had repeatedly pressed the Vietnamese on

this. He believed it was right to work for the best possible

conditions for people to return to Vietnam. The Vietnamese Foreign

Minister had clearly stated, on the "This Week" programme, that

those who returned would not be punished. These assurances had also

been made to us and to UNHCR, who would be able to monitor those who

had returned. It would not be in Vietnam's interest to renege on

these assurances.

6.

Lord Glenarthur added that he could not accept the reference to "intentionally harsh conditions" in Hong Kong camps. Conditions in such camps could not be ideal, but the Hong Kong authorities made them as good as they could be in the circumstances. He had spoken to people in the camps who accepted that they were being well looked after. Lord Glenarthur said he knew one area of concern for the delegation was the conditions in San Yick building. He said the Hong Kong Government had done all it could to improve conditions there, had already moved 1,000 people to alternative accommodation, and planned to empty the building as soon as possible in 1989.

7. With increasing levels of emotion, particularly from Miss Min Phuoc, the delegation repeated their fears that those returning to Vietnam would not be well treated. How could we be sure that the Vietnamese would live up to their assurances? The recent episode of a Vietnamese diplomat brandishing a gun in London showed that the regime had nothing but contempt for international law. Many had lost their lives in fleeing from Vietnam. One member said that he was totally opposed to the screening process. All who had left the communist regime in Vietnam were refugees. Another member said that she hoped the West would not forget the problems in Vietnam once effective arrangements were in place to stop people leaving.