TNAG-1797-FCO40-2557-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-repatriation--including-Opera-1988 — Page 108

HUMANE TREATMENT ON RETURN TO VIETNAM

-

Attach great importance to humane treatment on return to Vietnam.

Vietnamese assured us that all returnees will be treated well.

- We and Vietnam look to UNHCR to develop a repatriation programme

to facilitate return to Vietnam. UNHCR will naturally ensure that this embodies arrangements to ensure humanitarian treatment, and

monitoring of those who have returned.

START WITH VOLUNTARY RETURNS

-

Agreed with Vietnam to start with those who have asked to go back. Over 380 have asked to do so. These are all interviewed by UNHCR

before their details are passed to Vietnam as first step towards

their return.

We are working with UNHCR and Vietnam to make arrangements for

repatriation. In a

first phase this will involve the return of those who have asked to go back. Arrangements include will include assurances of good treatment on return, and modest reintegration assistance. Hope this will encourage many more to ask to return.

FORCIBLE RETURNS TO VIETNAM

We believe that in due course all except genuine refugees must go back. Virtually no opportunities for resettlement elsewhere. Cannot stay indefinitely in Hong Kong. Vietnamese have agreed that comprehensive settlement is needed to cover all non-refugees.

RESTRICTED.