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TRANSIT AND PROCESSING CENTRES
6. The meeting discussed a number of linked ideas, designed to
ease the immediate pressure on countries of first asylum. The
Philippines Government made generous offers to allow a centre for
about 50,000 refugees to be established in the Philippines, and to
enlarge the capacity of the facility on Tara island which they had
previously offered. We also welcome confirmation of the
Indonesian Government's offer of Galang island.
CENTRES IN VIETNAM
7. Several delegations suggested the establishment of a large
camp or camps in Vietnam in which potential emigrants could await
resettlement. As my rt hon and noble Friend said in his speech in
Geneva there should be no need for such camps: while they await
departure, they must be allowed to continue their normal lives in
Vietnam.
RESUMPTION OF BRITISH AID TO VIETNAM
8. The Government does not propose to reconsider its decision to
suspend bilateral aid to Vietnam at the moment.
EEC FOOD AID
9.
Geneva,
Commissioner Cheysson speaking on behalf of the Community in
announced an additional contribution of about US$7 million
to the UN High Commissioner's funds, and that in addition the
Community would meet half the High Commissioner's requirements of
rice and milk in South East Asia over the coming months.
FOLLOW-UP ACTION
10.
We welcome Dr Waldheim's undertaking to present a comprehensive
report on the refugee situation in South East Asia and on the
implementation of the action plan to the next General Assembly.
/This