(832)
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION"
STATEMENT
HKK 243/1
RECEIVED
780. $1
The British Government deplores the misery inflicted upon
thousands of refugees from Vietnam condemned by the Communist
regime which expelled them to drift the seas in search of
refuge. The British Government recognises the obligations
on masters of British ships, as on others, to rescue those on
the high seas whose lives are in danger. But it believes that
there is a duty on countries to which these ships are sailing to
let such refugees land at the ships' first port of call, in
accordance with international custom. The authorities in Taiwan
have refused to follow this humanitarian policy despite the fact
that many of the refugees are of Chinese origin and that many of
those on board are children.
The British Government appeals to the authorities in Taiwan
to open their doors as we have done to the refugees on the
M.V. Sibonga. The only desire of these refugees from tyranny is
to find a place to live in freedom.
SUPPLEMENTARIES
As part of the process of consultation with influential Governments
the Lord Privy Seal asked the Soviet Ambassador to call yesterday afternoon and discussed the situation with him, in the knowledge that
Vietnam is allied to the Soviet Union.
The UN Secretary General is already in touch with the Prime Minister
about the mounting gravity of the refugee situation. The British
Government hope that Dr Waldheim can play a valuable role.
Issued by FCO News Department on the evening of 29 May 1979.