TNAG-2872-FCO40-4126-Hong-Kong-repatriation-of-ex-China-Vietnamese-illegal-immigr-1993 — Page 168

and Guangxi before the end of the year. There was a further influx in October 1988 with around 760 arrivals. Again, with

the assistance of the Chinese authorities, these were returned

with minimum delay. In both cases, the early return to China of the new arrivals proved an effective deterrent to others who might have been contemplating coming to Hong Kong.

Immediately

after the returns, the numbers of arrivals fell sharply.

The number of recent arrivals is not yet on the same scale as the surges experienced in 1987 and 1988. But if decisive action is not taken now, a crisis of similar proportions may well develop. We would therefore be grateful if the Chinese authorities could agree urgently to accept the new arrivals back to China, together with any further ECVII's in similar circumstances who arrive in the near future. We would also be

grateful if the authorities concerned could urgently take any other appropriate measures, such as the stepping up of border controls, which might help to prevent ECVII's from coming to

Hong Kong.

note.viet.NAT

SLM