Private Secretary
CONFIDENTIAL
HKK 243/1
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51 1 1 DEC 1978
DESK OF
INDEX
See (348
See 6335
345)
c PS/Lord Goronwy-Roberts
PS/Mr Luard PS/PUS
Mr Cortazzi Mr Weir
RE
RY
UND
Action T en
SEAD
FED HKGD
MVD
News D
No
UNHCR CONSULTATIONS ON INDO-CHINESE REFUGEES: GENEVA, 11-12 DECEMBER 1978
1. I set out below a note on what UK objectives might be at the consultations called by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to discuss the Indo-Chinese refugee problem. As time is short, I am addressing this direct to the Private Secretary; and I understand that PS/Lord Goronwy-Roberts and PS/Mr Luard will let him know if their Ministers have any comments.
INTRODUCTION
2.
We need to make a constructive input to these consultations, bearing in mind:
(i) our traditional support for the UNHCR
(ii)
the UK has always
been a member of his Executive Committee;
our wish to help and support those countries of South-East Asia (particularly Thailand and Malaysia) with whom we have close and friendly relations;
(iii) the affront to the free world community which the Vietnamese
Government's harsh policies have caused.
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3. We ought not, however, to seek a leading role because of our limited ability to absorb more refugees we must continue to give priority to the families of immigrants and to British passport- holders especially from East Africa. But we can and should draw attention both to the lead we have given in accepting ultimate responsibility for "boat refugees" rescued by British-registered ships and to our considerable financial contribution (this year our total payments to UNHCR will be second only to the Americans). We can urge others to be similarly forthcoming on both scores.
/4.
CONFIDENTIAL