TNAG-1793-FCO40-2553-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-repatriation--including-Opera-1988 — Page 261

CONFIDENTIAL

(c)

Practical Arrangements in Hong Kong

The preparatory work which is necessary in Hong Kong, and

which can only be finalised now that the policy has been approved by

Ministers, is considerable. It includes:

moving boat people from existing accommodation to different

camps

preparation of new accommodation

mobilising personnel to carry out screening of new arrivals preparation of documentation for screening procedures

printing and duplication of letters to Vietnam to spread the

word about the new policy.

2.

The Governor entirely understands the attraction of an earlier

announcement and implementation date. But he has reluctantly

concluded that it would not be feasible to compress the timetable

for action and that 16 June remains the earliest practicable date

on which the new policy can take effect.

CONFIDENTIAL