Mr Cortazzi
CONFIDENTIAL
(SOHA
HKK 243)!
Vin
248
Put Aw
VIETNAM REFUGEE MERCY SHIPS
Mr Blaker asked for background information on Hong Kong telegram No 1070.
1.
(1477
2.
B
C
14-71
The points which General Romulo made to the Governor of Hong Kong are the ones which the Governor made in his telegram No 1060, de the reasons why he dislikes attempts to promote rescue operations.
3.
We have been taking the same line in conversations with diplomatic missions in London and with representatives of the UNHCR (FCO telegram No 173 to UKMIS Geneva).
4.
Our latest information is that the UNHCR's meeting on rescue at sea will take place on 14 August. This will provide an opportunity to reinforce our view that the Americans and others involved in the rescue ship idea (paragraph 4 of Hong Kong telegram No 1060).
2 August 1979
CC: MAED
HK&GD
CONFIDENTIAL
К
R F Flower
South-East Asian Department