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These prisoners' escaped from one social system with the hope of settlement in a 'free society'. They have endured this self-imposed imprisonment for six months, punishment enough for the unlawful acts they committed. The children should not have suffered for the misdeeds 'of the adults. Since the freedom of 160 of their co-prisoners and expected freedom of 30 more, the hopes for freedom of the remaining, 60 must have soared high. The authorities concerned must show more compassion to extricate them from the distress which would result from denial of freedom to them. In this respect the U.S.A. must show magnanimity to clear the disappointment resulting from the above stated settlements.
WCRP does not want to abandon the project, nor find questionable solutions for it, but would like to wind off by means based upon honour and morality. WCRP has cared for these unfortunate people for six months and would continue to do so until friendly countries accepted them. But continuing to maintain them on board the Leap Dal would be extravagant use, nay criminal waste, of funds provided by charitable institutions. The charter, water and fuel costs $$15,000 for every 15 day period.
Apart from finance a lot of labour is required to arrange regular supplies of water, fuel and provisions. Not only are WCRP workers. involved in this, but also the Malaysian Red Crescent Society. The Security Forces of Malaysia have to maintain constant vigil around the ship to prevent any unlawful activities or escape of the 'prisoners' to the land. WCRP is more bothered about other refugees getting on board, knowing that about 200 have found permanent homes from there. All this force of social and security workers could be spared once these people are unloaded to join others on land.
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UNHCR Indochina Refugee program in Malaysia has covered 7,000 8,000 people of whom 3,000 4,000 await settlement. An addition of 60 80 persons, being only 2% cannot unduly strain such a program. Moreover WCRP is prepared to help financially to maintain these people on land as they have done the balance of M.V. Roland. The governments' involved have to pull their weight to absorb the residue of the WCRP refugees. The generosity of the Malaysian government to provide temporary asylum will then be assured.
(Treasurer)
(WILLIE TAY KHIM SAN)
(Member)
(MEHERVAN SINGH);
(Member)
(ONG TONG HAI)