DRAFT LETTER TO GC BS
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
I do not think there is a need for me to rehearse the
situation which obtains now on this problem and by how
much it differs from when I first wrote to you on the
subject in September 1977. However, in light of the
actions taken by shipowners in liaison with Government
Departments during the recent incidents-affecting Sibonga,
Roachbank, Norse Viking and Ashford, it seems sensible
that we should give you further practical guidance to
pass on to individual shipowners in order to lessen the
burden placed on them as expeditiously as possible.
2 The first question facing shipowners is whether,
in the circumstances which prevail when refugees are
sighted, they should expect ships' masters to honour
their legal obligations to render assistance either by
picking up the refugees or by giving assistance and
supplies to enable refugees to survive a bit longer.
Clearly no advice or guidance can be given from those
who have no first hand knowledge of the situation.
decision based on humanitarian grounds alone has to be
taken by those on the spot but in all cases it should be
reported to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
A
3
In the event that survivors are picked up the next question to be considered is whether ships' masters should make for the first scheduled port of call or the
/ first