L
The kt. Hon. Jeremy Thorpe, M.P.,
House of Commons,
Palace of Westminster,
LONDON, S.W.1.
Dear Mr. Thorpe,
27 Bundringham Drive,
LOUTH,
Lincs.,
IN11 OJE.
21st April, 1978.
I address you in your capacity as Liberal spokesman on foreign affairs. The appalling treatment of refugees from Communist eastern Europe following the Yalta agreement has rightly been condemned by many, albeit with much hindsight.
Of greater importance in 1978 is the treatment given to refugees from the Communist countries of Asia who find their way to British territories. I refer to those from China who are caught entering Hong Kong, most of whom are reportedly sent back; also to those from Vietnam and Cambodia who make their way in small boats to HongKong and Brunei, and those who may (or may not) be picked up in distress in the South China Sea by vessels heading for these territories.
The United Kingdom Foreign Office is responsible for the relations between foreign nationals and the Crown Colony of Hong Kong, and also the British Protectorate of Brunei. Perhaps you would find out, by parliamentary question or otherwise, how many refugees have arrived on British soil in recent years, and what is our Government's policy for their treatment: also how many are forcedly returned to Communist authorities, and what assurance the Foreign Office has that they do not suffer as their predecessors did around 1948.
It would be a pity if modern-day atrocities are hushed up for another thirty years, whilst we lament what happened long ago.
Peter J. Taylor
Yours sincerely,
PJ Paylar
(Liberal Party member, and former Press Officer, Louth Division)
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