TNAG-1789-FCO40-2549-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-general-1989 — Page 93

Saw the situation for myself in July.

Policy of 16 June contains two key safeguards.

screening process, monitored by UNHCR, ensures all genuine refugees will still find sanctuary in Hong Kong until

resettlement;

arrangements for repatriation will only be undertaken if we are satisfied that those who return will be properly

treated.

we have insisted on and obtained assurances from Vietnamese

authorities (at talks in London in mid-October) that returnees be treated humanely: returning boat people will not be punished.

and on Vietnamese agreement that UNHCR should monitor reintegration into Vietnam.

the fat is that for those who are not refugees, the future lies in Vietnam. We are making our best efforts to ensure that such people can return to Vietnam under the best possible

circumstances.

making a start with those who have asked to go back.

Arrangement

for their return and monitoring in Vietnam will be handled under

UNHCR programme.

In conclusion, an intractable problem which we and Hong Kong Government will continue to handle in a humane spirit.

Defensive Points

Why Repatriation?

Whichever way you look at it, the boat people now arriving in Hong Kong, with few exceptions, are not genuine refugees under agreed international criteria: they are illegal immigrants.

UNCLASSIFIED