PRIME MINISTER
Ent
27
SEAD
HICK 243/Rgles
--- RSM Blaker
RECEIVEO
31 MAR
PS POS 51
Cleck
DESK OFFICER •Donate
INDEX
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES NO MAS
PA
MYD Pas 3:13
See
I agree with John Biffen's minute of 20 March about refugees picked up at sea by British vessels.
Since July 1979 some 700 refugees have come to this country as a result of guarantees. The total is much less than we dared hope a couple of years ago and the policy of avoiding any general declaration of principle but yielding to the inevitable in particular cases has proved itself.
I am sure it is right both to continue the existing policy and to avoid any general announcement.
I am sending copies of this minute to Peter Carrington, John Biffen and Sir Robert Armstrong.
horw
27 March 1981