CONFIDENTIAL
uncertainty and lack of confidence amongst senior Honduran offials. But what surprised the visitors most was the Hondurans' complete lack of knowledge of UNHCR's basic functions and responsibilities. To improve Honduran awareness UNHCR are sending a team to teach the military authorities the basic .concepts of international refugee law. The text of a joint
communique issued on 30 November was distributed (copy attached).
5. Mr Smyser said that what is needed is greater understanding on all sides. The Hondurans are suspicious that the international Community wish to foist people on them for permanent settlement and that the voluntary agencies are against the country. On their side the volags, though generally well intentioned, have no feel for the political difficulties. What it boiled down to was an inability on all sides to perceive reality.
This was very disappointing.
6. On the question of coordinating refugee relief work in Honduras, UNHCR had agreed to continue the task for a further six months. The main problem continues to be security both at the border and in the camps. Some refugee groups wish to be near their own country but these are often the least secure areas. The Hondurans have agreed to replace some of the military staff in the camps with immigration officials. They have also agreed that UNHCR personnel could remain overnight in some camps. There were still practical disagreements. UNHCR preferred the refugees to be placed in agricultural settlements but the Hondurans were insisting on a more general self-sufficiency programme. Plans to put the refugees to the west of Teguicigalpa had been changed and they were now to be put to the east. Summing up Mr Smy ser said that although the visit had 'opened some doors it would be some time before UNHCR could determine whether anything useful had been achieved.
15 December 1982
BAdamy
B D Adams