TNAG-1901-FCO40-2700-Future-of-Hong-Kong-briefing-1989 — Page 30

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this subject, the Secretary of State will therefore need to explain why this is not politically feasible.

Asia Pacific Economic Forum

7. The Americans have reacted cautiously to our lobbying over Hong Kong's participation in the November ministerial meeting of the Asia Pacific Economic Forum. The Administration is likely to give more weight in its calculations to relations with China than to the

merits of Hong Kong's cause.

VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE

8. The Comprehensive Plan of Action (CPA) endorsed by the Geneva

International Conference in June provided the framework for a

comprehensive solution, including the introduction of region-wide

screening and commitments to resettle over 3 years the approximately 40,000 refugees currently in places of first asylum (over 13,000 of

whom are in Hong Kong). The Geneva Conference also endorsed the

principle that non-refugees should be returned to their country of

origin. It was less precise, however, on the mechanism for

repatriating those who do not volunteer to return. The

effectiveness of the Plan of Action is to be reviewed by officials

in October 1989.

9. Of the total boat people population in Hong Kong of over 55,000,

around 40,000 are unlikely to acquire refugee status after

screening. Over 85% of those arriving daily are likely to be classed as economic migrants. A small number of boat people (264)

have returned to Vietnam of their own choice. The UNHCR claim that

there are more volunteers in the pipe-line and the number is increasing.

10. There has been a series of disturbances in the camps, resulting from increased overcrowding and growing frustration on the part of

inmates. There has also been a outbreak of cholera on the island of

Tai A Chau. The island has been evacuated but once it has been

cleared up will have to be used again to accommodate new arrivals.

Local residents have staged protests against the policy of granting

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