TNAG-1903-FCO40-2705-Hong-Kong-cabinet-meetings-on-Vietnamese-refugees-1990 — Page 26

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From: PS/Mr Maude

Date: 10 October 1989

cc: PS/Lord Brabazon

PS/PUS

Private Secretary

PATRICK WRIGHT

VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE

1.

Mr Gillmore

Mr McLaren Mr Paul, HKD

Mr Colvin, SEAD

Mr Burns, News Dept

MrStimed

17/10

Mr Haglich / 13/0

Mr Maude held an office meeting on 9 October to discuss the way forward on Vietnamese Boat People in the light of OD (K) and the Secretary of State's views (Mr Wall's minute of 9 October to Mr Burns and Mr Pierce's minute of 9 October to Mr Paul). I have minuted separately on a message from the Prime Minister to President Bush and the settlement of refugees in the UK. The other main issues covered were as follows:

Timing of non-voluntary repatriation

2.

Mr Gillmore explained that, following OD(K), the new target date for the first non-voluntary repatriation was 31 October. This was the earliest date on which a Dragonair plane (similar to that used under the voluntary programme) could be chartered. Mr Maude said that he would have preferred an earlier date. Politically there were advantages in moving immediately after SC3; he wondered whether alternative flight arrangements were possible.

This might also prevent news of the operation leaking in advance. He recognised that this might not be practicable, but asked the Department to look very quickly at possibilities.

3.

Mr Whitehead said that UNHCR and the USA would undoubtedly argue at SC3 that we should delay non-voluntary repatriation until December (UKMis Geneva telno 612). Mr Gillmore said this was superficially attractive, but could well rebound on us. If we waited until UNHCR sanctioned the operation, they would certainly commit us not to use violence. The operation would then probably then be impossible. He argued that we should go ahead, as OD(K) had decided, before the Prince of Wales' visit. Mr Maude agreed.

CONFIDENTIAL