TNAG-2068-FCO40-2946-Vietnamese-boat-people-and-the-Legislative-and-Executive-Cou-1990 — Page 12

CONFIDENTIAL

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on 23 January 1990

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22 FEB 1990

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MEMORAMUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

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VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE : STRATEGY FOR 1990

THE PROBLEM

more

Since the introduction of screening in June 1988, more than 44,000 boat people have arrived in Hong Kong bringing the camp population to

than 56,000.

Although the Comprehensive Plan of Action (CPA) agreed in Geneva in June 1989 represents progress towards a long term solution, there has been no international agreement on its full implementation, including mandatory repatriation of all non-refugees. Without this, there is a real possibility that there will be a further major influx during the summer of 1990. This paper outlines a strategy for strengthening the deterrent message while remaining within the framework of the CPA.

RECOMMENDATION AND ADVICE SOUGHT

2

It is recommended that

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

new arrivals should be screened with a view to repatriating those who

are definitively screened-out as soon as possible; (paragraphs 8 to

10);

for

this purpose, the need to shorten the existing statutory period of appeal from 28 days for new arrivals should be reviewed, once arrangements for their regular repatriation are in place and in the light of

the number of new arrivals in the spring and early summer;

of

HMG/HKG should seek to conclude an agreement with the Vietnamese government for a programme regular repatriation of non-volunteers, including the return of larger groups by sea; and

arrangements should be made to purchase or charter a ship for repatriation, subject to a satisfactory conclusion to (c) and to approval of funds by Finance Committee.

CONFIDENTIAL

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