At the Lancaster House Conference we are working urgently
for a solution to the Rhodesian problem which will enable all
refugees to return to their homes. When the time comes, we shall
be ready to do all we can to cooperate with the international
organisation working in the field, to facilitate their return.
We are
We are also very much concerned at the extent of the problem
in the Horn of Africa, involving as it does at least one million
people, and the severe financial and administrative burdens which
have been placed on the governments concerned as a result.
particularly impressed by the extent to which these governments
have, from their own resources and with the help of the specialised
agencies, managed to contain the situation. The existence of these
refugees is a sympton of the tensions which still exist in this part
of the world. The only satisfactory solution to the problem will
be a return to peace and stability which we continue to urge
various governments to work towards. The British Government have
since early 1978 responded to UNHCR and ICRC appeals for African
refugees relief programmes by contributing well in excess of
one million pounds Sterling. We believe this is the most effective
way donors can act to alleviate the problem in the short term.
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