TNAG-1801-FCO40-2561-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-resettlement-in-the-UK-1988 — Page 50

CONFIDENTIAL

Mr. Hom, HIJ (58

Rank

HKD 243/12

FROM:

CO Hum

Private Secretary

Hong Kong Department

DATE: 21 June 1988

PS/Lord Glenarthur

CC:

PS/Mr Eggar

Mr Gillmore

Mr McLaren

Mr Colvin, SEAD

Mr Williams, UND

Enl

Curs

VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG: RESETTLEMENT IN UK

1.

I submit a speaking note for tomorrow's bilateral between the Secretary

of State and the Home Secretary.

2. I fear that the speaking note has to be quite long, as it covers detailed

subject matter. If you feel it would help for a piece of paper to be passed to the Home Secretary, we shall prepare one.

3. The speaking note refers to the reaction in the media to the introduction

of the new policy in Hong Kong. I attach the editorials which have appeared in

the British press, with relevant passages highlighted. It is noteworthy that

all these comments express sympathy for Hong Kong, and most state that Britain

should do more to help by way of resettlement. This is consistent with the

long-standing view of the public, so far as we can establish it from

correspondence with Ministers and MPs.

CONFIDENTIAL

си

CO Hum