TNAG-1796-FCO40-2556-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-repatriation--including-Opera-1988 — Page 264

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Action in the interim

· CONFIDENTIAL

6.

are

While we work out our approach to a further round of talks,

we

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(more than

maintaining pressure on the Vietnamese to curb departures. The rate of arrivals in Hong Kong has halved in August compared with July (to 70 a day compared with 179 a day). But the level is still high. It is still too early to establish the cases of the decline or to conclude with confidence that this represents a long-term trend.

concentrating on accelerating the processing, by UNHCR and the Vietnamese, of volunteers wishing to return. These are now coming forward in more significant numbers (over 100 so far). Their well-publicised return would have a powerful

deterrent effect.

maintaining a dialogue with UNHCR with the aim of encouraging them to adopt a flexible approach in working out their own

role.

The Next Round of Talks

7. For the next round the Vietnamese have suggested the usual alternation of venues: in practice this means Hong Kong or London. The Hong Kong Government are understandably concerned that the presence of Vietnamese negotiators in Hong Kong could trigger off disturbances among the detained boat people. We believe it would be right to observe the diplomatic proprieties, and to offer the Vietnamese the small diplomatic gain of a second round in London if they are cooperating in the interim over curbing departures and processing volunteers for return.

We

8. But the key to progress at the next round will almost certainly be willingness on our part to discuss financial assistance. believe the time has come to seek Ministers' endorsement that this should be offered, on the following very limited basis:

CONFIDENTIAL