TNAG-1851-FCO40-2626-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 202

WHAT MORE CAN BE DONE TO HELP HONG KONG WITH VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE

PROBLEM?

We are helping Hong Kong in every, way we can:

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(a) have committed over 4 million pounds towards cost of emergency accommodation for boat people; and have contributed 8 million pounds to the cost of accommodating refugees awaiting

resettlement;

(b)

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have agreed to take total of 2,000 refugees from Hong Kong

over 3 years;

(c) will be holding urgent discussions with Vietnamese to ensure

that comprehensive repatriation programme is promptly put in hand;

(d)

Geneva Conference provides basis for comprehensive solution

to problem. But this will take time.

HOW WOULD HMG REACT IF HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ENDED POLICY OF FIRST

ASYLUM?

Situation in Hong Kong is desperate. We are doing all we can to help alleviate pressure on nong Kong.

But if situation continues to deteriorate cannot rule out drastic

action. May be obliged to suspend first asylum policy.