TNAG-2593-FCO40-3781-Appointment-of-Chris-Patten-as-new-Governor-of-Hong-Kong--Ap-1992 — Page 87

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From:

R Godfrey

SEAD

Date: 12 May 1992

VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS

You asked for briefing on Vietnamese Migrants.

2 I attach a copy of the brief we prepared for incoming Ministers, just before the election.

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3

To update the brief:

(a)

(b)

(c)

(a)

we signed an agreement this morning on

arrangements for the repatriation of non-refugees who arrived in Hong Kong before October 1991;

Hong Kong has undertaken to consider reintegration assistance to Vietnam, once the next phase is up and running. Further flights will depend on a contribution being forthcoming;

the Americans still maintain their opposition to non-voluntary returns; but seem unlikely to make waves as long as our repatriation flights go smoothly and there is no unfavourable press comment;

the first phase of the Orderly Repatriation Programme seems to have capped the outflow from Vietnam (only 7 arrivals at January 1992).

I also attach our draft inspired PQ which will be tabled tomorrow in the wake of signature of the modalities paper, together with supplementaries, and News Department's press statement.

Ebedtrey

R Godfrey

HKD 078/1 जना

REC

IND

2. MAY 1992

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