CONFIDENTIAL
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9. Mr Hoan said that the Vietnamese government had expressed its position clearly to the Thai government; he was sure there would be no problem on the Thai border. As regards Sino-Vietnamese relations, the Vietnamese were not so foolish as to seek more complications in their relations with China. Nevertheless
because of China's expansionist and hegemonistic policy towards Vietnam it firmly defended its independence. The Vietnamese, recalling their historical victories, were not afraid of China.
10.
Dr Owen said in conclusion that he hoped the Vietnamese government would stop the practice of refugees leaving against payment of money, a practice which would very soon become public. Mr Hoan said that he guaranteed that it was not the policy of his government. Dr Owen said that it was quite clear that there were differences of opinion. He did not accept a number of Mr Hoan's statements. He reminded him finally that there were 3 sensitive areas, the Thai/Cambodian border, the Sino-Vietnamese border and Vietnam's policy on refugees.
29 January 1979
Cristo
South East Asian Department
FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
CONFIDENTIAL