TNAG-1843-FCO40-2618-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 137

ARPARQ (7)

5.

Contacts with other Governments

Have maintained regular contact with resettlement countries and

countries of first asylum. Have played full part in Inter-Governmental Contact Group and in Kuala Lumpur preparatory

conference for Geneva International Conference in June.

REPRESENTATIONS ON RESETTLEMENT

Made representations to 21 resettlement countries, urging them to increase their offtake of Vietnamese refugees from Hong Kong. In addition in Britain over the next two to three years, other

resettlement countries have indicated that they will provide about

4,200 resettlement places in 1989 compared to about 2,500 in 1988 and 2,200 in 1987.

Canada has decided to resettle 1500-1800 Vietnamese refugees from Hong Kong in 1989, compared to 1009 in 1988. The United States will

take about 1000 compared with 687. The Australians will take about 700 compared with 364.

Will continue to urge the resettlement countries to take more

Vietnamese refugees from Hong Kong.

CONTACTS WITH VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT?

-

Have held two rounds of talks with Vietnamese officials. Raised

twice at Ministerial level.

AID TO VIETNAM?

No question of bilateral aid to Vietnamese Government. We are

however making humanitarian contribution to the UNHCR reintegration

assistance programme. Modest practical assistance to enable those who return to settle successfully back into their communities. Very important that repatriation programme is implemented smoothly. Will encourage others to step forward.

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