CONFIDENTIAL
W181
AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION
•
LONDON
AUSTRALIA
11 September 1978
Dear Mr Morgon
Further to our conversation on 8 September about the forthcoming meeting in Kuala Lumpur, concerning Indo-Chinese refugees, I confirm herewith the Australian attitude given last week to Charles Humfrey. As discussed, I would be grateful if you would make these points available to the British representatives at the Kuala Lumpur meeting:
A) Australia attaches great importance to the meeting which we see as breaking new ground in expanding international support for solutions to the Indo-Chinese refugee problem.
B) We are gratified by ASEAN and UNHCR support for the meeting and particularly the fact that Mr Hartling has agreed to be personally involved. In this context we recognise the central and important role of the High Commissioner in seeking solutions to the problem.
C) Although we accept that most governments will be represented from local missions we would hope that this representation will be at the Head of Mission level with representatives empowered to discuss national policy frankly and authoritatively. Our delegation will be led by the Secretary (i.e. permanent head) of the Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, Mr L.W.B. Engledow.
D) We understand the sensitivities of a number of participants about publicity and would expect them to be respected.
E) Although we expect consideration of Item 3 of the agenda to include discussion of future action on "Internat- ionalisation", and particularly possible next steps, we are concerned to avoid the suggestion that Australia is attempting to set up a rival agenda to that proposed by UNHCR. UNHCR have privately supported our understanding that the meeting should discuss future action. Thus we hope that the following matters would be covered during discussions in Kuala Lumpur:
1.
2.
Report by Hartling on his discussions in capitals. Assessment of current rate of outflow of refugees and likely future dimensions.
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