TNAG-1795-FCO40-2555-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-repatriation--including-Opera-1988 — Page 159

CODE 18-77

Mr Machin,

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Reference...

Disaster and Refugees Unit, ODA

cc Mr Millett, UND

file

нко 24318

REC

- 4 AUG 1988

ICE

PA

Miss Walker, UKMIS GENEVA

INDI

! JMS

608

VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG : FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

1. You will be aware of the serious deterioration in the problem of Vietnamese boat people in Hong Kong. There are now some 23,000 Vietnamese boat people in Hong Kong of whom some 7,000 have arrived since the introduction on 16 June of a new policy of screening to distinguish economic migrants from genuine refugees. One year ago there were less than 8,000 boat people in Hong Kong.

2.

The rapid increase in numbers has lead to a corresponding increase in the financial burden on the territory. Recently Hong Kong's Finance Committee approved a HK$120 million package of expenditure for the coming year, a very substantial increase over costs to the Hong Kong Government of about HK$20 million last year. However, in view of the unexpectedly sharp increase in numbers in the past month, this budget could well be insufficient.

3. This is an extremely sensitive political issue in Hong Kong. There is a growing feeling that UNHCR (and HMG) should contribute more to the financial burden of accommodating this influx of boat people. The Secretary of State and Lord Glenarthur were both pressed on the UNHCR point during their recent visits to Hong Kong. Both publicly acknowledged that UNHCR should be asked to contribute more towards these costs.

4.

Talks have taken place between the Hong Kong Government and UNHCR about an increased financial contribution from UNHCR. Hong Kong telnos 2535, 2536 and 2740 reporting these talks are attached. As you will see, the outcome was inconclusive. But for local political reasons the Hong Kong Government will have to return to the charge.

ARPALO

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