TNAG-2068-FCO40-2946-Vietnamese-boat-people-and-the-Legislative-and-Executive-Cou-1990 — Page 9

The situation would be quite different if there were major influx on a scale which required new camps and/or additional funds.

There would then be a strong demand for first asylum to be abandoned and a high possibility demonstrations and signature campaigns.

22

of

have

Various other aspects of the VBP problem

implications for example, a successful legal screening, or an outbreak of serious disorder in However, local reaction to any such eventuality considerable extent on whether large numbers

potential PR challenge to the camps.

depends to a arrive this year.

23

Overseas, and among some liberal groups locally, the emphasis is on the human rights of the VBP, the fairness or otherwise of screening, conditions in the camps, and the perceived inhumanity of "forced" repatriation. If things remain calm during 1990, then there will probably be declining media interest overseas, with occasional sniping over conditions. A major influx would rekindle interest.

Zre- cut-If data and

L

PUBLICITY

24

There will be no special publicity, and no Legislative Council Brief issued, as a result of this paper. We will continue to explain to VIP visitors and journalists from overseas the background to the situation. Locally, we will get as much mileage as we can out of progress on resettlement, transfer of newly screened-in refugees to the Philippines, and the on-going voluntary return programme. strategy will be reviewed in the light of developments.

(The

Director of Commissioner

PR

Secretary for Security, Mr A.P. ASPREY, the Immigration, Mr L.M.Y. LEUNG, the Deputy (Police), Mr C.A.J. SHEPPARD, Deputy Crown

WINGFIELD and the Refugee Co-ordinator,

Solicitor, Mr I.G.M.

Mr M.J.J. HANSON will attend for this item).

2 April 1990

(SRD 401/1/C)

COUNCIL CHAMBER