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(b) Screening
Screening will be carried out under UNHCR guidelines. UNHCR have been invited to monitor the procedures and will have the
opportunity to be involved in appeals. We look forward to UNHCR's
cooperation and assistance on legal and technical matters associated with this process. Can you promptly send an expert to Hong Kong?
Not a new departure: in line with procedures established elsewhere (including SE Asia eg Lao screening in Thailand).
Screening in line with ICG consensus at Ottawa meeting.
(c) Return of non-refugees to Vietnam
Essential feature of the new policy is the return to Vietnam of
those who are not refugees, subject to suitable safeguards for their
treatment on return. UNHCR has opened discussions with the
Vietnamese Government on this. We have also raised the question
with the Vietnamese in London, Hanoi and New York. Others raised it
with the Vietnamese during the May ODP talks in Geneva. We have
urged ASEAN countries to press the Vietnamese on this. Not an easy
matter, but take some encouragement from professed readiness to
discuss it (Secretary of State/Co Thach). This professed readiness should be followed up.
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What progress has there been on your negotiations with the
Vietnamese authorities? When do you intend to pursue this further?
Will UNHCR be going to Hanoi?
(a) Financial arrangements for Vietnamese boat people in Hong Kong
You will be aware of strongly held views in Hong Kong that Hong
Kong should pay less towards the upkeep of Vietnamese boat people in
Hong Kong. Exacerbated by rapid increase in numbers and burden on Hong Kong in recent months. We are considering the position. We
will need at some stage to hold discussions on this with you.
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