JB/RM
H.1
3.40
3.50
SIR I. GILMOUR:
CSIF
There are moral, historical and ethical
reasons for doing what we have done. The rh M for Down, South
(Mr. Powell) seems to be ignoring the appalling tragedy that
is now being enacted in Southpast Asia. It is something that
has not happened on such a scale for 30 years. For us to ignore
it, sit back and pretend that it is not happening, and to pretend
that whatever happens elsewhere in the world is nothing to do with
us would be totally wrong and entirely contrary to the ethical
&
and political traditions of this country.
i
MR. GRIMOND: Is the Minr aware that his statement
[MR.
will give almost universal satisfaction? Is he also aware that we owe some obligation to people as human beings, even if they
are a different colour and their misfortunes are not our fault?
Can he say whether the international community, through the United
Nations, has succeeded in bringing pressure to bear on Veitnam
to stop this callous behaviour? Also, can he tell us whether
there are still refugees pouring into Hong Kong and has any direct
the voluntary societies
problem aid been given to
to deal with this? I understand
that £5 million of overseas aid has been given to Hong Kong, but
is there any aid for the voluntary societies themselves?
abroad, but
SI
SIR I. GILMOUR: It is true that the £5 million is
पड a result of effect on public funds will be felt the
Some
reception of refugees in this country. I entirely agree with
the rh G's
rumarks,
at the beginning of his qn. This is a major
humanitarian problem. We are, after all, part of the human