TNAG-1909-FCO40-2713-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-voluntary-and-mandatory-repat-1989 — Page 149

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REPATRIATION OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE

OPERATIONAL PLAN

Assuming 12 December as date for operation

Thursday 7 December

Payment of 56 x $620 into Vietnamese London dollar account (total $34,720) (subject to refund).

Friday 8 December

Statement for Secretary of State to deliver to House to be ready before the weekend.

1.

2.

Information Department background paper to be circulated to

Posts.

3. Resolve question of whether and when to inform US, Canada, Australia in advance of operation HKG advises against.

4. 'Dear Colleague' letter to be prepared.

Sunday 10 December

Inform Chief Whip of proposed operation.

Monday 11 December

Time:

HK

London

Washington

20.00

12.00

07.00

Final decision on whether or not to

Tues 12 Dec 02.00

18.00

13.00

02.30

18.30

13.30

BDRACT

SECRET

proceed to be taken by

Secretary of State. Guidance tel to posts. Inform Australians?

Inform US, Canada, of forthcoming operation?

Police begin to cordon off streets around Phoenix House.

News Department to be ready with defensive line.

Secretary of State to be ready to go to House for Statement.

for TV and Radio News.