TNAG-1970-FCO40-2803-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-repatriation-1989 — Page 124

MARAAL

Mr

рубі

김

RM 1/

Min banden

HKB

Many thanks

√√27/2

Mr McLaren PS/Mr Egger

Juster of

CONFIDENTIAL

77/3.

FROM:

DATE:

CC:

•MKD 243/9

RECEIVE

70

28 FEB 1989

Miss, R Marsden

Hong Kong Department

27 February 1989

PS

PS/Lord Glenarthür

PS/Mr Patten, ODA

Mr Gillmore

Mr Slater

Mr Brenton, UND

Mr Edwards, Legal Advisers

VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG: UNHCR AIDE MEMOIRE ABOUT

SCREENING PROCEDURE

A

B

C

U A

1. On 3 February UNHCR handed over an Aide Memoire to the Hong Kong

Government expressing concern about certain aspects of the screening

procedure for Vietnamese boat people. Mr Eggar subsequently

discussed UNHCR's concerns with Mr Dewey, Deputy High Commissioner

for Refugees, at their meeting in Geneva on 9 February. Ministers

may wish to be aware of the Hong Kong Government's response to

UNHCR. The formal reply was handed over in Hong Kong and Geneva

today.

2.

UNHCR accept that the introduction of a region-wide screening

programme is the best way of dealing with the problem of Vietnamese boat people. They regard the Hong Kong screening programme as the first step in this process. That is why they are particularly

anxious that screening procedures in Hong Kong should be seen to work properly.

3. UNHCR have made clear that they are generally satisfied with the

screening programme established in Hong Kong and with the

cooperation they have received from Hong Kong Government officials.

CONFIDENTIAL