1
Private Secretary
1389A
C.C. PS/LPS
PS/Mr Blaker
PS/PUS
Mr Cortazzi
Mr Murray
Lord N Gordon-Lennox
SEAD
UN Dept
HK & General Dept
Mr Christopher (News Dept)
17/ü
HKK 243/i
DESK
по
A
2797.
20
no! 2197
GENEVA CONFERENCE ON INDO-CHINESE REFUGEES: PRESS
1.
The Geneva Conference is identified
in the public mind with HMG. We shall have a sound and defensible policy, which combines generous compassion
}
for the afflicted with firm condemnation of Vietnam, whose policies cause the problem and whose policies alone can
stop the flow at source. We must make the most of it.
2.
We will need to project our policy both internationally and domestically. The right place to do both is Geneva, since all the press will be there. It will be much more difficult to get the ear of the press on this subject from London. Other major delegations will certainly have much in mind the public relations aspect
of the Conference,
3.
I understand that the Minister of State,
Mr Blaker, has agreed to meet the press in Geneva on Thursday, 26 July for a curtain-raiser.
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4.1