TNAG-1977-FCO40-2810-Arrivals-figures-and-procedures-for-Vietnamese-refugees-in-H-1989 — Page 6

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DSR 11C (Revised 5/87)

basis to provide accommodation for up to 5,000 people.

If emergency accommodation is not available, there will

be growing pressure in Hong Kong to abandon the policy

of first asylum. Alternatively new arrivals might have

to be left on board unseaworthy vessels to face the

approach of the typhoon season.

PRIVACY MARKING

In Confidence

The

Hong Kong's need is a desperate one and I am convinced

that we should respond positively to this request.

Governor's Private Secretary telephoned Hong Kong

Department this morning to ask that if at all possible

the tents should reach them over the weekend. I hope we

can pull out all the stops to meet this request.

I understand from contacts with your officials that the

quantity and type of tents required would be available at

short notice and that the approximate cost, including

freight to Hong Kong, would be of the order of £250,000.

Given the urgent humanitarian requirement, and the

potential threat to life arising from this critical

situation, I believe this would be a suitable call on

ODA's disaster funds. I very much hope that you can

agree to authorise the immediate disbursement of the

necessary funds.

I am acutely aware of the drain on your resources imposed

by the situation in Hong Kong. As you know, Geoffrey

Howe will be writing shortly to the Chief Secretary to

flag up the possibility that exceptional funding may be

required in due course. But I am afraid that we could