TNAG-1909-FCO40-2713-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-voluntary-and-mandatory-repat-1989 — Page 177

SECRET

D/Sec (0) (C) 6/7

6 December 1989

MA/Minister (AF)

copy to: APS/Secretary of State

PS/US of S(AF)

DPSO/CDS

PS/PUS

MA/CGS

MA/DCDS (C)

ACDS (0)

AUS (C)

CPR

DROW

DPO (A)

FCO (Hong Kong Dept)

HONG KONG: MANDATORY REPATRIATION

Mr Colvin ROAD

467

I called Martin Howard over

(rom the MOD for what I madt absolutely dear was a posoncel briding, so that he would be ready if necessary

LE

Eg.

any

to respond should there NEED to call on the garrison,

to contain a reaction in the

Campe. I made it clear that the whole sens was

highly sensitive. I

also made it clear that we did not

USG of the game on in

centecorate any

the operation - a point about which NG was concomod. I have now sch him to containing the possible dange

1. Further to Head of Sec(0) (C)'s note of 20 October, I have caused by

been advised by the FCO that the date for the return of the first group of non-volunteers is set for Tuesday 12 December. The operation will take place early in the morning local time, ie on the evening of 11 December UK time.

2. I understand that a final decision to go ahead will be taken by the Foreign Secretary at noon our time on Monday 11 December. I have arranged for the FCO to inform us as soon as the decision is taken, and I will immediately pass this on to you.

3. HQBF Hong Kong have been informed.

HKB 243 19

Mark Hamand

M L HOWARD Sec (0) (C) MB5314 6272MB

ليه

this manute

stressing to all recipients the very high Samilevity of this

in Carnation Heswall.

12

SECRET