TNAG-2404-FCO40-3491-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1992 — Page 177

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

SECRET UK EYES A LOCSEN

underfunded by approx £8M for the FY 91/92 and that the late allocation of the HK budget by 3 months meant belt tightening in an area of very little flexibility, since 89% of funds were spent on manpower.

They had managed to find some savings and had benefited by some unexpected

receipts from HKG, but studies carried out by his Headquarters had proved

that there was little room for manoeuvre.

7. CBF HK further said that he was pleased the Patrol Craft issue had been resolved. The handover of the border to RHKP was progressing to plan and the police were being very effective. The garrison would retain

a surveillance presence on the border ever after the RHKP had annouced

total responsibility for the II commitment. There was some concern

because huge numbers were flocking into Shenzen which could result in problems at a later date.

8. On the Vietnamese Migrants side, there had been a considerable improvement since the last meeting. Only a handful had entered HK since

October when the bilateral UK-Vietnam agreement had been reached on an

Orderly Repatriation Programme (ORP 1) covering the mandatory return of

'double backers' and new arrivals. Now, the difficult task would be

organising ORP 2. Volunteers for repatriation had increased to 1,000 per

month. It was important that the deterrent effect was maintained. There

had been a great tragedy in the Sek Kong Camp following riots between

North and South Vietnamese. 24 people had been burned alive and over 100

injured, which indicated the fragility of stability in the camps. The "Sailing Season" started in April but for the first time hopes of a

lasting solution were moving forward.

9. Smuggling activities were on the increase and were a source of

serious concern in view of the potential erosion of confidence in law and

order. Huge sums of money

were involoved, 70-80 speedboats

LOCSEN

UK EYES A SECRET

were

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