GRS 200A
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
See (383)
379
HKK 243/1 REAVIO LA RES STAYING. 54 29 DEC 1978
INDS
FROM FCO 24173OZ DEC 73
TO FLASH HONG KONG
TELEGRAM NUMBER 970 OF 24 DECEMBER
AND TO IMMEDIATE UKMIS GENEVA
No
Z
29/12
INFO IMMEDIATE WASHINGTON PRIORITY PEKING CANBERRA MANILA KUALA LUMPUR SINGAPORE BANGKOK
INFO SAVING HANOI
372
376
HONG KONG TELNOS 1430 TO 1484: ''HUEY FONG'
1. WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR PROMPT ACTION IN PROVIDING MEDICAL ASSISTANCE, FOOD AND WATER FOR THE REFUGEES AND FOR ADMITTING TO HOSPITAL THOSE WHO NEEDED TREATMENT ASHORE.
2. IN THE FACE OF SUCH LARGE NUMBERS LEAVING VIETNAM, WE AGREE THAT THE FIRST SCHEDULED PORT OF CALL PRINCIPLE SHOULD BE
PRESERVED. IN THE INTERESTS OF THE REFUGEES STILL TO LEAVE VIETNAM, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE ASYLUM BURDEN BE SPREAD MORE! EQUITABLY IN THE REGION AS A WHOLE: THE FIRST SCHEDULED PORT OF CALL PRINCIPLE, IF UPHELD, IS AT LEAST ONE WAY OF HELPING TO ACHIEVE THIS. WE HOPE, THEREFORE THE MASTER CAN BE PERSUADED TO CONTINUE TO KAOHSIUNG PROVIDED IT IS SAFE TO DO SO.
3. WE HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO CONTACT ALL THOSE CONCERNED WITH
REFUGEE RECEPTION ARRANGEMENTS HERE BUT WILL KEEP TRYING, IN THE MEANTIME, WE CAN ASSURE YOU (PARA 2 OF YOUR TELNO 1481) WE SHALL DO OUR BEST TO HELP.
3
(374
4. WE ARE CONSULTING MOD ABOUT THE USE OF THE ROYAL NAVY FOR ESCORT AND PROTECTION PURPOSES AND WILL TELEGRAPH SEPARATELY.
CONFIDENTIAL
/5.WE PRESUME