2
:
influence with Vietnam to persuade the Vietnamese Government
of the enormity of the humanitarian problem which exists.
This is not just an internal affair for Vietnam: it is having
incalculable effects throughout South East Asia. You wilL
no doubt have in mind that the continuing persecution of these
refugees and the numbers in which they are leaving shows the
communist system in Vietnam in a very poor light indeed.
4. The problem is urgent. If action is to be successful
it must be taken now. I should be grateful if you would
consult your authorities and let me know their attitude as
soon as possible. Would they for example be prepared to help with an international aid effort, eg by providing funds or
temporary accommodation for refugees? Would they be prepared to talk to the Vietnamese authorities in the sense I have
indicated?
Eastern European and Soviet Department
CONFIDENTIAL