CONFIDENTIAL
7. Our primary concern over Vietnam is the outflow of refugees
which is putting a great strain on Hong Kong (and causing major
difficulties elsewhere in South-East Asia).. We must keep up the
pressure on Vietnam to improve conditions. I do not see aid
as an effective lever.
8. We need American help over the refugee problem in Hong
Kong where there are over 30,000. I hope that the US
Administration will ensure that Hong Kong is given resettlement
places in line with its intake of refugees, which is now the
highest in the region.
9. The emphasis of our policy in South-East Asia is to support
the ASEAN countries who are justifiably apprehensive at the
threat from the North
especially Vietnam
SOUTH-EAST ASIAN DEPARTMENT
18 May 1979
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CONFIDENTIAL