TNAG-1975-FCO40-2808-Financial-assistance-for-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-1989 — Page 73

ARRAEB

HED 243/20

Mr McLaren

PS/Lord Glenarthur

Private Secretary

RESTRICTED

From:

A R Paul

Hong Kong Department

Date:

April 1989

Cc:

PS/Mr Eggar

PS/Mr Patten

Mr Gillmore

Mr Colvin, SEAD

Mr Brenton, UND

Mr Crabbie, Finance Dept.

Mr Machin, ODA

VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG :

FINANCE

Problem

1.

The Governor has requested substantial financial assistance

(at least £4 million) from HMG to help Hong Kong meet the cost of accommodating the major influx of boat people which is expected this summer. How should we respond?

Recommendation

2. It is most desirable, for both political and humanitarian

reasons, that we should respond swiftly and in full to the

Governor's request. I recommend that we do so and that we seek to

channel the aid through UNHCR. But funds are very tight and the contribution could be found only by:

diverting funds from the Aid Budget;

RESTRICTED