TNAG-1792-FCO40-2552-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-repatriation--including-Opera-1988 — Page 70

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screening is unclear. They are more likely to acquiesce in the

introduction of screening, provided it is carried out in accordance

with UNHCR guidelines as proposed. But at the same time they are likely to express concern at what they would see as the dilution of

the principle of first asylum, and at the detention and eventual

repatriation of asylum seekers. There are good legal and political

arguments which can be used to defend the new policy, and it would

be useful to deploy these with UNHCR in advance of the decision, particularly as there are likely to be differences of opinion within

UNHCR itself.

5. Given the structure of UNHCR, it is essential that the High

Commissioner can be personally consulted about the proposed changes. Unfortunately he will not be available from 8-13 June, ie the

period after a Ministerial decision can be expected and immediately

before the Hong Kong Government's target date of 16 June for

introducing the new policy. The Hong Kong Government are understandably reluctant to delay the introduction of the policy while UNHCR are squared. This points to an earlier approach to

UNHCR. In any case, given the need for UNHCR's active co-operation in any new arrangements, we consider that there would be

considerable advantage in bringing UNHCR into our confidence at an

early stage. This could best be done on the basis of informal

discussions without any commitment to prepare the ground, particularly on the question of screening. An appropriate contact

would be between Mr Hewitt, Head of Chancery and Mr Dewey, Deputy

High Commissioner.

6.

ExCo will consider the Hong Kong Government's proposed new

policy on 24 May. There is no reason to believe that they will not

endorse the proposals, but it would be prudent to delay an approach

to UNHCR until after the ExCo meeting.

Coltun

CO Hum

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