Thatcher Defends Refugee Policy

Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher said today that forced repatriation of Vietnamese boat people from Hong Kong would continue, to deter other Vietnamese from fleeing to the colony in the hope of making their way to the West.

Mrs. Thatcher defended the Government policy in the face of criticism from abroad and discomfort at home after the first refugees were expelled under her policy yesterday. She was joined by her Foreign Secretary, Douglas Hurd. Lull Is Temporary

While Mr. Hurd said there would be no more deportations until the House of Commons held a major debate on the issue next Tuesday, he made it clear the lull was temporary. Indeed, he indicated that the Government was eager to talk with Vietnam about ways to return people at a faster rate.

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