Reference FAQ 284/356/01
104
Heads of Geographical Departments Chief and Principal Advisers
Mr KOH Osborne
Mr M A Power
-RD Department
-UN Department -UN Department
FCO
Mr P Morgan
UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES
RE
9 AUG 1977
NKK 243/332
Since 1974 UK contributions to the UNHCR have been charged against the Aid Programme. We are giving £350,000 to the Regular Programme this year and in addition are continuing to contribute on an ad hoc basis to various special appeals for operations in individual countries.
2. During recent talks with the London representative of UNHCR, we were told that the UNHCR very much hoped that more representatives of donor governments would go and see his organisation's projects in the field. They would welcome our constructive criticism of their operational methods, since they were keen to adapt these, where necessary, to make them more "attractive" to potential donor governments.
3. Although we, in FAO Department, believe that UNHCR projects are generally soundly conceived and well run, we cannot always get an independent view. It would be helpful to us if we were to get an occasional first-hand report, so if an ODM officer visiting appropriate countries were able to fit a visit to a UNHCR project into his itinerary, this would be welcome. (There can be no question of taking additional travel provision for this specific purpose). Geographical Departments will generally know where these projects are, but we
(Mr McDonough Extn. 1340) can provide information if asked.
If you see no objection, please circulate this minute in your Department for information. UNHCR have said that, if they are given advance warning, they could help with local travel arrangements since their operations are frequently sited in remote areas.
4.
CODE 18-1
G W Thom
FAO Department
2 August 1977
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