ROYAKX
CONFIDENTIAL
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE: COAST HOPPING DRAFT MESSAGE FROM THE
SECRETARY OF STATE TO QIAN QICHEN
1. You will recall that when we met in Tokyo on 24 February we
discussed the problem of Vietnamese boat people in Hong Kong. I
emphasised to you on that occasion that it was our firm intention to
ensure that the problem was resolved as soon as possible, because of
the very serious problems it was causing Hong Kong now. I also
stressed the importance of the co-operation of the Chinese
authorities, in particular over one aspect of the problem. This
concerns the assistance given to Vietnamese boat people who stop at
places along the Chinese coast en route for Hong Kong. This is a matter which we have raised with the Chinese side on repeated
occasions, most recently at the twelfth meeting of the Joint Liaison
Group and at meetings which both the Governor of Hong Kong and Lord
Glenarthur have had with Vice Minister Zhou Nan.
2.
Since our meeting in Tokyo the situation has deteriorated
further. Over 2,000 boat people have arrived in Hong Kong so far
this year, that is double the level for the same period in 1988.
With the seasonal improvement in weather conditions we face the
prospect of a major new influx of boat people in the coming months.
This is a prospect which I and the Governor of Hong Kong view with
the greatest concern.
3. Against this background, it is now more important than ever
that the Chinese authorities should take effective measures to
ensure that Vietnamese boat people are not given assistance at
points along the Chinese coast. I recognise that this poses
major practical problems for the Chinese authorities and I
appreciate the humanitarian factors involved. But it is a fact
that very few of the boat people now in Hong Kong could have
reached the territory unless they had received assistance, in
many cases of a very substantial nature, in the course of their
journey. It is also likely that many would not have set out
on their journey if they were not confident that such assistance
would be forthcoming if it was needed. Effective measures by the Chinese authorities in this matter could have a very significant
impact on the current serious situation.
In short, without the top if the bout people did not had not had help from bring persons in China, Hory kom would not now have the "Problem it does.
CONF IDENTIAL
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