TNAG-1896-FCO40-2690-Calls-on-Francis-Maude--Minister-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Co-1989 — Page 7

NITAAH(3)

CONFIDENTIAL

-

D : Vietnamese Boat People

Very concerned about situation in Hong Kong (rioting in camps, cholera, local resistance to construction of new accommodation).

Well aware of growing public frustration in Hong Kong and

political pressures for early and effective action on mandatory

repatriation or abandonment of first asylum.

Hope that no radical action will be taken as that will not

provide a solution and could alienate international support. Do not

wish to destroy delicate international consensus achieved at Geneva

Conference, which still offers best hope for comprehensive solution.

But unless there is dramatic increase in number of volunteers,

remains our intention to go ahead with mandatory repatriation as

soon as practical arrangements are in place. Essential that

arrangements for return of first group should not go wrong.

CONFIDENTIAL