TNAG-1977-FCO40-2810-Arrivals-figures-and-procedures-for-Vietnamese-refugees-in-H-1989 — Page 4

5.

ODA have been more forthcoming.

ODA officials have located a

supply of tents and are confident that they could obtain a 707 or

DC8 freighter aircraft to carry them at short notice. The cost would be of the order of £250,000, which would include approximately

£80,000 for the hire of the aircraft. There are (just) sufficient

funds in the ODA's Disaster Fund. But ODA officials will need to

consult Mr Patten before going ahead and arranging the shipment. They have asked for a formal request from the FCO wing, in the form

of a minute to Mr Patten from an FCO Minister.

6.

ODA criteria for agreeing to provide relief from their

disaster funds are based on the level of immediate humanitarian need

and the threat to human life. I consider that such a need does now

exist in Hong Kong and that the presence in Hong Kong harbour of

numbers of unseaworthy boats carrying asylum seekers would

constitute an immediate threat to human life.

7.

Hong Kong have today renewed their appeal for tents, which

are very urgently needed. They ask that if possible the tents

should arrive over the weekend. It would therefore be helpful if

Lord Glenarthur's letter could issue today.

8.

The letter refers to the letter which the Secretary of State is

to write to the Chief Secretary about the financial implications of the situation in Hong Kong. I am in touch with Mr Ireton about this

and plan to submit a draft shortly.

ARI

A R Paul