CONFIDENTIAL
EC/ASEAN FOREIGN MINISTERS' MEETING: BANGKOK
24/25 MARCH
BRIEF NO 3
INDO-CHINA:
HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND REFUGEES
POINTS TO MAKE
1. UK continues to support UN relief operations in
Thailand.
DSR 11C
2. No reason to resume any aid to Vietnam (because of
humans rights record and occupation of Cambodia).
Defensive
3. Relief for typhoon Nancy was within European Commission's
discretion under standing budgetary arrangements. Views
of members and regional states were taken into account
but emergency circumstances were overriding.
Refugee Resettlement
(Defensive)
4. UK not usually suitable for resettlement.
Will of
course continue to consider family reunion cases and
ship rescues, but cannot do more in present circumstances.
increase
5. Serious possibility of sharp rise of boat-people in
Hong Kong, with resettlement places falling. Hope UNHCR,
can retain a fair balance but
out
ut cannot rule out considering
some form of repatriation if position deteriorates.
7