consideration by standing committee of NPC.
But already clear that second draft will contain a number of substantial improvements which go a long way towards meeting a number of important concerns of Hong Kong people. (Illustrate this in an Annex.)
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Draft is not yet right.
Will continue to press for
improvements. Will be opportunity for this in second round of public consultations after publication of second draft.
HMG conscious in particular of concern about section on future constitutional structure. (Describe it.) In order to ensure that model for Hong Kong's future political system commands confidence of community as a whole, improvements must be made. We shall be pressing for this. But also up to Hong Kong people to work out what
they want.
10. Vietnamese Boat People
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Background to the problem (history of exodus of Indo Chinese refugees since 1975; Geneva Conference 1979; Hong Kong's role as place of first asylum; closed camps policy; deterioration in situation since 1987; reasons for screening/repatriation policy June 1988; liberalisation of closed camps).
UK's role and responsibility (continuing resettlement programme over 13,000 since 19754; readiness in principle to take 1,000 more; our diplomatic campaign to urge international community to do more; talks with Vietnamese on repatriation; financial support).
Emphasise our full support for Hong Kong Government's handling of immensely difficult problem: we are in very close touch with HKG about implementation of policy and are playing our full part in search for solutions.
soon as
The way ahead: firm intention to solve problem as
Need for comprehensive possible and certainly well before 1997.
arrangements agreed at international level for resettlement of 15,000 refugees in Hong Kong. UK ready to play its part. all those screened out must lie in Vietnam. We are working for
Future of
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