CODE 18.77
SS 8/78
CONFIDENTIAL
UN 243/21
Reference
Separate copies to:
Mr McGee (UND(B)/ODA A 403) Mr Stitt (SEAD W 87)
Mr Sprake (SAFD K 216) Mr Cordiner (CAFD
K 211)
Mr Hogger (SED W 106) Mr Lavers (SAD W 134) Mr Baxter (SAmD K 275) Mr Lander (NENAD W 77) Mr Rampton (EAD K 300A) Legal Advisers (K 172) Research Department (G 6/3)
CL 401) Mr Katzaros (MVD
Mr Connor (MCD K 365A)
HKK 243/5
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51 29 SEP 1980
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
Action Taken
I REGISTRY
PA
Mr Hennessy (FED K 255)
Mr Williamson (HKGD K 242)-
лю
80.00 | Awzolyo
UNHCR
1. I attach a copy of a despatch of 15 August from the Ambassador in Geneva on UNHCR, which has been acknowledged.
2. The first half of the despatch is largely historical, and is followed by a section on UNHCR's relations with the UK.
Thereafter Mr Marshall examines in detail the organisational, financial and political problems arising from the surge in refugee numbers in recent years and a blurring of the distinction between those fleeing oppression and those who are refugees from famine or internal conflict. The financial and organisational problems are probably the more acute, but in identifying their nature and complexity Mr Marshall does not offer any conclusions concerning their resolution. Nor are any conclusions apparent, given the complex of relationships and attitudes involved (the Soviet bloc, for example, takes no interest in UNHCR affairs), although in subsequent correspondence the Ambassador has offered some tentative views and we now await his further thoughts.
3. I should welcome the preliminary thoughts of copy recipients, based on their particular experiences in the last 12 months, on the nature of the co-ordination problem and possible improvements.
4. We have little to say on finance. As Mr Marshall points out there is a limit to the funds the West can provide and presumably the UK's financial constraints may not permit any further expenditure this year.
5. We shall no doubt be better able to judge the possible threat of increasing politicisation at the end of the General Assembly, given that several initiatives are on the stocks and will no doubt give rise to substantial discussions.
CONFIDENTIAL
16.