TNAG-1792-FCO40-2552-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-repatriation--including-Opera-1988 — Page 92

Miss Stater

RESTRICTED

1.

EC ASIA WORKING GROUP MEETING, BRUSSELS:

ра

pl. confim to Dr Reilly that his bouls UK subhith any prints you my

19-20 MAY

Lavo.

N

17/5

BRIEF NO 6: INDO-CHINESE REFUGEES

MINISTERIAL MEETING

-

Tactics

FOLLOW UP TO EC/ASEAN

2. Pl propane drift HLINK A let them know of our

eports. Clear will SEAD!

ния 243/18

UK to lead (item on agenda at our request).

Objectives

N

1715

Secure Partners' support for co-ordinated EC pressure on Vietnam to restrict outflow, accept return of non-refugees.

Line to Take

1.

Hard line of some ASEAN members at Duesseldorf meeting reflects increasing frustration at rising outflow of economic migrants.

2.

Since Duesseldorf meeting, situation in Hong Kong has grown especially acute camp population now 50% above last year's levels, more arriving every day.

-

3.

Root cause of problem lies with Vietnam. Have frequently raised matter bilaterally with Vietnamese, but only very limited response. Believe co-ordinated international approach to Vietnam

now essential, to convince Vietnamese authorities that it is in

their interests to co-operate, a) by taking steps to reduce continued outflow b) by agreeing to accept back those who wish to

return c) by entering into discussions on possible return of economic migrants, subject to suitable safeguards. Partners'

views?

[4. Is there maybe a case for suggesting that provision of humanitarian food aid should be subject to progress on this?]