CABINET: 9 NOVEMBER
CONFIDENTIAL
myland.
HKD
man manh,
ніє в
040
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE
(Only of raised)
BULL POINTS
Ntud
10/11
18
Had planned first non-voluntary return on 31 October. Decided
not to proceed then: numbers down to just 14. More time needed to prepare more boat people for inclusion in first batch.
HKD have now successfully moved 48 screened out boat people from large camp to building near airport (Phoenix House) from which repatriation can take place. Total of 62 boat people now ready for repatriation.
Believe that commercial airline (Cathay Pacific) will be willing
to undertake operation. Alternatively could use RAF VC10 (but this would cost £340,000 and might cause presentational difficulties).
Need to take decision very soon on timings of first repatriation.
Prime Minister prefers delay action until after her Washington
visit (24 November).
Will in any case have to finalise practical details with
Vietnamese, and give them a fortnight's notice of first flight.
RW6ABJ
CONFIDENTIAL
pa 13%..
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.