ROYAIE
CONFIDENTIAL
VISIT OF LORD GLENARTHUR TO HONG KONG: 7-11 JANUARY 1989
BRIEF NO 7: VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE
Objective
To reassure Hong Kong that we are using our best efforts to resolve this problem.
1.
Points to Make
[with Governor ]
Will announce during my visit additional contribution of £1 million to UNHCR budget in 1989 for use in Hong Kong, and of
HK$ 1 million towards UNHCR resettlement assistance programme. Will also announce gift of £2,500 to purchase English language teaching material for use by refugees. Hope this and our conditional agreement to take additional 1000 refugees will be seen
as demonstration of our commitment to Hong Kong.
Difficult to persuade all in the international community, particularly US, that repatriation of all non-refugees is the only option. Also domestic perceptions to consider. Best way ahead seems to be to seek consensus that all non-refugees must go back, but only address volunteers for the time being.
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How do you see this developing? Views of Hong Kong public?
Risk of unrest in camps?
[For general use]
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we We remain committed to help Hong Kong as much as can. Hope our clear indication of our readiness in principle to take additional 1,000 refugees from Hong Kong, will encourage others to respond generously. Believe our approach is one most likely to
CONFIDENTIAL
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