TNAG-2049-FCO40-2919-Visits-by-Lord-Caithness--Minister-of-State-for-Foreign-and--1990 — Page 56

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Line to take on specific subjects

Vietnamese Boat People: First Asylum

My visit has convinced me of the strength of feeling in Hong Kong about this issue.

Understand these concerns.

Can also understand why some people here may call for abandonment of first asylum policy.

If Hong Kong faced influx on scale of 1989,

it might be impossible for us to maintain first asylum.

But would be most reluctant to contemplate that. Do not believe it would serve Hong Kong's wider interests. Nor would it

solve the problem of the 50,000 boat people who are already in Hong Kong. Maintenance of first asylum essential if international

support for Hong Kong is to be maintained.

Key point for Hong Kong is to maintain the international bargain struck in Geneva.

We and other countries will take in the

genuine refugees, providing Vietnam takes

back the screened out. Current

negotiations in Hanoi.