TNAG-2233-FCO40-3206-Visits-by-the-Office-of-Members-of-the-Executive-and-Legisla-1991 — Page 45

CONFIDENTIAL

LORD CAITHNESS' MEETING WITH OMELCO DELEGATION: 1000 HRS 12 JUNE

VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE

Objectives

To reassure Omelco that we fully understand the need for urgent

action to cope with the serious situation created by the new influx

of Vietnamese asylum seekers into Hong Kong.

To inform Omelco of the results of the recent Washington talks

and our proposal for an Internationally Managed Centre (IMC) in Vietnam and to urge them not to take action which might endanger the chances of this proposal succeeding.

To confirm that we intend to honour our pledge to accept 2000

refugees from Hong Kong for resettlement in UK.

-

(If raised) To rebut the argument that HMG's responsibility for Hong Kong's foreign affairs requires HMG to bear the expense of Vietnamese migrants in Hong Kong; and to point out how much HMG has

spent over the years.

Points to Make

-

Understand seriousness of situation in Hong Kong and pressure in Hong Kong to abandon first asylum. Continue to believe that, if implemented fully, CPA offers best hope of securing a viable internationally acceptable solution to the problem.

Following consultations with Americans on 3/4 June,

seeking

discussions with Vietnam on establishing IMCs in Vietnam for the

screened out.

on Hong Kong.

Hope for quick progress and thus alleviate pressure

Understand frustration in Hong Kong and desire for early action.

VB 3AAU

CONFIDENTIAL

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