TNAG-1790-FCO40-2550-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-resettlement-in-third-countri-1988 — Page 31

- 2 -

3.

It is therefore not surprising that many Members have

expressed their concern about the problems of the Vietnamese

in Hong Kong, and in particular the current rate of overseas

resettlement. This is something about which we are of one

mind, and the views of the Administration have again been put

strongly to U.K. ministers, by you, Sir, on your recent visit

to London.

4.

In the current year we expect no more than 2,600

refugees to be resettled. This is slightly better than the

2,200 who were resettled last year, but is of course a far

from satisfactory rate. I can assure Members that the

Administration wastes no opportunity in making this point to

resettlement countries. I believe our best prospect for a

major increase in resettlement quotas lies in the efforts now

being made to organise an international conference next year

on Indo-Chinese refugees. I hope that a package of solutions

will emerge from this process which will include an increase

in the number of refugees resettled from Hong Kong.

5.

The views of Members on the need for a general

increase in resettlement have been conveyed to London, and the

Administration will continue to emphasise the very important

point made by Members that other countries cannot be expected