CONFIDENTIAL
The Hong Kong Government are understandably concerned that the
presence of Vietnamese negotiators in Hong Kong could trigger off
further disturbances among the detained boat people. We believe
that it would be right to observe the diplomatic proprieties, and to
offer the Vietnamese the small diplomatic gain of a second round in
London. But we shall expect to see on their part cooperation over
curbing departures and processing volunteers for return.
10. The key to progress at the next round, even if the Vietnamese insist that this should deal with voluntary returnees, will almost
certainly be willingness on our part to discuss financial
assistance. We believe the time has come to seek Ministers'
endorsement that this should be offered, on the following very
limited basis:
11.
reintegration assistance would be the final element of an
agreed comprehensive repatriation scheme (ie, it would be
offered on the condition that the package as a whole was
accepted):
it would be channelled through and administered by UNHCR. Presumably UNHCR would issue a general appeal to governments
to contribute. The Hong Kong Government would seek financial
authority to make a contribution matching our own. We would
also urge other governments and the European Commission to
chip in:
it would not be development aid. UNHCR have in mind that aid
would be channelled directly to returnees (largely in kind
rather than cash) or to their immediate communities.
sums involved in such a programme would be modest.
The
It could take a considerable time for the mechanics of any such
scheme to be worked out. In the meantime the Hong Kong Government
have to meet heavy expenditure on capital and running costs
connected with the boat people.
It would make a very positive
CONFIDENTIAL
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