TNAG-1969-FCO40-2802-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-repatriation-1989 — Page 4

When the possibility of Hong Kong providing financial assistance for returnees was first reported after the Hanoi talks in August, public reaction locally was strongly adverse. There was a feeling that Hong Kong had no obligation to pay and the Vietnamese proposal was tantamount to blackmail. Since then there has been some modification in public opinion and there will probably be grudging acceptance of a modest contribution to get the repatriation exercise started, partly because the money will

will go

to UNHCR rather than the Vietnamese Government, and partly from recognition that it is better to pay for repatriation than to continue to pay to support the VBP in Hong Kong. However, the proposal will not be a popular one and there will be concern over the possibility of substantial additional funds being sought in future. The view may be advanced by some that if any contribution is to be made on behalf of Hong Kong, the whole cost should more appropriately be borne by the UK Government as the Sovereign power.

Publicity

14

a

There has already been one prominent report in the local media about what is proposed. We propose to issue formal press statement after the Finance Committee meeting covering the points in paragraphs 9 - 11 above.

(The Secretary for Security, Mr G.T. BARNES, and the Principlal Assistant Secretary for Security, Mr A. FUNG will attend for this item).

5 January 1989

(SRD 406/3/C III)

COUNCIL CHAMBER