ib
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Future Meetings Conferences
We should be glad to attend a further meeting in the "Honolulu" series, although this should focus on alternative durable solutions,
not just resettlement.
9 If a further international conference on Indo-Chinese refugees
were planned, we would be glad to attend, but [defensive] do not consider that it would be appropriate for us to call one.
10
Any conference should address the question of "economic" refugees from Indo-China. Concerned that the refugee status accorded by
the 1979 Conference is no longer valid for many of those now leaving
Indo-China.
Ship Rescue (RASRO)
11 Look forward to participating in the new scheme.
Orderly Departure Programme
12 Pleased at programme's success. Glad to see that ODP departures
last year exceeded boat people arrivals for the first time.
13 Need to continue pressure on Vietnam to allow relatives of those
who have left by boat to leave under the ODP.
Thai Anti-Piracy Programme
14 As indicated on 27 February, we continue to support the programme in principle, but cannot make firm pledge yet.
15 Encouraged by reported fall in the rate of attacks on refugee
boats arriving in Thailand, and at evidence of Thai willingness to
convict.
16 Let us know if you want to make use of the services of a British
officer this year for technical advice missions to Thailand.
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