TNAG-1797-FCO40-2557-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-repatriation--including-Opera-1988 — Page 309

JAYABP

790

VISIT OF MR PATTEN, MINISTER FOR OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT TO HONG KONG :

SEPTEMBER 1988

Vietnamese Boat People

Points to Make

HKD 243/81

35F

PA

and

1. Fully behind HKG's new policy.

Kong's problems.

Deeply sympathise with Hong

Pleased that discussions have begun between Vietnamese and Hong Kong/British officials. Hopeful that progress can be made in near

2.

future.

[If necessary]

1. (Alleged ill-treatment at Hei Ling Chau) . Support Governor's decison to set up independent inquiry. Clearly in everybody's

interest to establish the truth.

2. (Assistance to returnees). Raises difficult issues. We have not ruled out possibility of assistance on a modest scale, through

UNHCR.

3. (Repatriation). Welcome Vietnam's willingness to accept voluntary returnees hopeful that these will soon be repatriated. But must press for return of all non-refugees.

(Additional resettlement in the UK). We are currently considering all aspects of the problem, including resettlement.

4.

5.

(Financial assistance from UK to Hong Kong). Do not rule out possibility of UK contributing additional funds to UNHCR to meet cost of UNHCR programme in Hong Kong.