TNAG-1801-FCO40-2561-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-resettlement-in-the-UK-1988 — Page 51

ARYAAC (2)

CONFIDENTIAL

VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG

SECRETARY OF STATE'S BILATERAL WITH THE HOME SECRETARY: 22 JUNE 1988

Speaking Note

Hong Kong's Vietnamese refugee problem has deteriorated sharply

in recent months:

1.

Current refugee population in closed camps over 16,000: highest

level since 1980; double number last year.

Resettlement from Hong Kong down from nearly 4,000 in 1986 to just over 2,000 in 1987, similar level expected in 1988.

2.

New policy introduced on 16 June (screening on arrival, detention of those screened out pending repatriation to Vietnam):

Should help to stem the flow of boat people: are doing all we

can to maximise deterrent effect of new measures.

In longer term focus will shift from resettlement to repatriation: we are stepping up pressure on Vietnam to take back

non-refugees.

But there remains a large residual problem in Hong Kong: will be necessary to resettle Hong Kong's refugee population as quickly

as possible.

This is essentially a finite, or at least sharply tapering problem. Consists of those accepted as refugees before 16 June, plus very small proportion of post 16 June arrivals found to be genuine refugees.

3. Attention in Hong Kong, Westminister and media already beginning to focus on need for new initiative on resettlement:

Believe that now is the right moment, politically and

psychologically, to act.

Major new effort required by resettlement countries.

Clear that they will not respond unless we are prepared to do something ourselves.

CONFIDENTIAL