Drait Continuation Sheet
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6.
by the local
Red Cross brut
A significant contribution to the UNHCR appeal for refugees in Thailand, on the other hand, would probably give rise to, complaints from the Hong Kong Government, who have only received £70,000 from us towards their refugee problem, on the grounds that they have closer
It is ties with us and merit higher consideration than Thailand. suggested that we should leave this appeal to other donors.
छ. It is suggested that there is a case on humanitarian grounds for making a contribution to the UN appeal for food aid to Laos, on the lines recommended by HM Ambassador in Vientiane: if an offer were made immediately, food could be purchased and delivered within a month and could alleviate the shortage likely to occur in October.
8. The remaining funding requirements of the International Red Cross operation in Vietnam are for supplies related to rehabilitation of displaced persons rather than immediate relief. Although it has representation in Saigon, the Red Cross has in practice no arrangements for supervising distribution in South Vietnam and supplies are being administered by the PRG. It therefore has no particular advantage over other organisations in administering relief. We do not consider that the further contribution to the International Red Cross, in addition to the £250,000 already given, has a very high priority.
q. The FCO have suggested that Prince Sihanouk, who is shortly to
address the General Assembly of the United Nations, will make an appeal
It seas for Cambodia, Wo-esses that at the present time the Cambodians have the worst human problems in Indo China, and are on these grounds any such appeal would merit some priority. If a contribution were to be made to Cambodia, it would probably be preferable to make it from the funds already earmarked for Indo China rather than to seek additional funds
for the purpose.
Recommendation
10.
In conclusion, we suggest that as the relief work in Vietnam has evidently moved on from the phase of emergency relief to rehabilitation and reconstruction, the allocation of further relief aid to appeals directed to Vietnam should not be regarded as a high priority. There is a case for immediate aid to Laos for food supplies and I recommend that an immediate offer of £100,000 should be made to the UN appeal for this purpose. I further recommend that the balance of £150,000 should be retained until it is known whether an appeal for Cambodia is to be
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