4.
CONN. IN
2.
C
The discussion then turned to Mr. Bradman's proposal to charter a vessel to patrol the South China Sea to assist refugees in small boats, and rescue them where life was in danger. Sir Murray MacLehose said that there were very powerful humanitarian and other arguments ageinst much a proposal; when a French vessel had engaged in a similar operation it had had the effect both of raising the price which refugees had to pay before being permitted to leave Vietnam, and brought forward a great rush of people who had set out speculatively with virtually no hope of rescue and thereby would have contributed to increasing the loss of life. It would be much better for the energies and resources of well-wishers to be diverted into assisting the voluntary agencies both here and in Hong Kong, and he would be very ready to see Mr. Bradman to explain this. It was agreed that the Private Secretary* should arrange for Mr. Bradman to see the Governor. The discussion concluded.
DC
Private Office
18.7.79.
c.c. Mr. Wall (FCO)
Mr. Woodfield
Mr. de Deney
Mr. Hilary Mr. Angel
Mr. Head
J.
A.
CHILCOT
Principal Private Secretery
**
* It was subsequently agreed that the Foreign Secretary's
Private Secretary should make the arrangement.
CONFIDENTIAL