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The
Additionally, we must pursue efforts through the UNHCR
to expand the orderly departure program from Vietnam.
United States is prepared to do everything possible to
implement such a program. Achievement of the goal of
significant numbers of departures depends on the presence
in Vietnam of adequate UNHCR staff, including appropriate
nationals of the receiving countries, to process the visa
applications. We hope that all outstanding problems will
be resolved soon and that orderly departures will completely
replace clandestine and assisted departures by boat.
In the final analysis, however, the nations of
exodus must accept their responsibility to provide tolerable
conditions for their people within their own borders. While
the United States remains dedicated to the principle of
free emigration, we can only condemn the situation that
existed earlier this year, when large elements of the
populations in the Indochinese countries identified by either
social class or ethnic group, were given no meaningful
choice but to leave. This situation must not be renewed.
At the same time, the resettlement and donor countries must
follow through on commitments already made to assist
refugees in first asylum countries. We all have a role to
play, and I am confident the High Commissioner will continue
to be instrumental in stimulating and coordinating our
efforts,