TNAG-1790-FCO40-2550-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-resettlement-in-third-countri-1988 — Page 160

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CONFIDENTIAL

PRESIDENT REAGAN'S VISIT TO THE UK 2-3 JUNE: BRIEFING FOR THE

SECRETARY OF STATE'S MEETING WITH MR SHULTZ: 3 JUNE

HUD 243/7

BRIEF NO : VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG

Objectives

To underline the sharp deterioration in the problem of

arrivals by boat from Vietnam.

1.

2. To prepare the ground with the US for the introduction of a new policy involving screening on arrival.

3. To seek continued US assistance for Hong Kong.

Points to make

Recent

Over 13,000 boat

Concerned at deteriorating situation in the region.

visit brought home scale of problem in Hong Kong.

people there now, less than 8,000 a year ago.

Clear resettlement alone not the answer. Must exert pressure on

Vietnam to limit illegal departures, co-operate on ODP, accept

return under suitable safeguards of those who do not meet refugee

criteria.

We and HKG very conscious of our responsibilities to genuine

refugees. But great pressure on Hong Kong Government to implement early change of policy, in particular to introduce a system of screening on arrival to distinguish genuine refugees from

economic migrants.

Appreciate that a policy on these lines would be controversial. But believe it represents the way forward. Greatly appreciate all

that US has done to alienate burden in Hong Kong. Hope US could support the new policy and contiue to help Hong Kong.

CONFIDENTIAL