COVERING CONFIDENTIAL
FROM:
HKD 24319
A R Brenton
United Nations Department
71
D J Hope,
APS/Mr Patten
-R227/2
Miss Marsden Mr Forman N 27/2
Mr Hagwan
W/27/2
DATE:
24 February 1989
CC:
Mr Machin, ODA
ме
Mr Paul, HKD
CALL ON MR PATTEN BY MR HOCKE, UNHCR: 27 FEBRUARY
1. I am replying to your call for briefs for this meeting.
2.
Following your discussion with Robin Gwynn from my Department, I attach a defensive brief which Mr Patten may find useful on Vietnamese boat people in Hong Kong. Mr Patten should be aware in particular of UNHCR's current concerns about screening procedures and camp conditions in Hong Kong. It has been provisionally arranged (subject to confirmation from Hong Kong that the Hong Kong Government's reply will be handed to UNHCR simultaneously in
Hong Kong and Geneva next Monday morning, 27th. Alternative lines to take are provided to cover the situation whether this goes ahead
we shall ring to confirm as soon as possible.
or not
3.
-
There has also been recent interest in the press in the possibility of involuntary repatriation to Vietnam of those screened out, and in the Prime Minister's confirmation of a further resettlement quota for the UK. These points are covered in the briefing.
4.
We undertook additionally to let you have a line on Mr Hocke's proposed category II visit to the UK in May. UND will coordinate this visit and proposals are at an early stage. It is intended that the visit will last two days during which Mr Hocke will visit the Secretary of State, Home Secretary, Mr Patten, Mr Eggar and possibly the Prime Minister (which Mr Hocke is keen to do). The details have not yet been confirmed with Mr Eggar although he mentioned it to Mr Dewey (Deputy UNHCR) during his visit to Geneva in early February. Mr Patten might want to speak on the lines of the attached note.
ARBE
N63AMU
A R Brenton
United Nations Department
COVERING CONFIDENTIAL
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