CONFIDENTIAL
19.
There are signs
resettlement
for
(linked with the developments
described in para 10 above) that the main
countries are becoming more interested in finding alternatives to continuing third country resettlement
Vietnamese emigrants. Places of first asylum have long been impatient at the burdens placed upon them both by the continuing flow from Vietnam and by the increasing reluctance of third countries to resettle those waiting in the transit camps. We think that governments might well be
receptive to the suggestion that we should now explore together, in cooperation with UNHCR, to what extent those now leaving should be considered economic migrants rather than refugees, and what possible alternative solutions can
be identified for them.
20.
for
action.
international
native
an awful teron.
to
If it proved possible to establish agreed criteria to distinguish between a refugee and an economic migrant the second phase of discussion would involve identifying options
be The logical approach would
explore
arrangements under which genuine refugees would as now be resettled outside Vietnam, while those who had left because of economic deprivation rather
than political
(the persecution
great majority) returned to Vietnam. Such action could be taken only if a collective approach to Vietnam by the governments involved,
the
UNHCR,
had
by
Vietnamese authorities
would not be subjected to
endorsed
secured
economic
or
even
represented
from agreement
the
migrants
treatement
that
we
see
on their return.
little
prospect
were
first
that
harsh very
improrati
It must be admitted however
of
in this
present
or
foreseeable circumstances.
The 21.
discussions which we would undertake
and UNHCR
national governments are unlikely
results in the short
with the
or
even the
difficulties of reaching
a
consensus
matter should not be underestimated.
about involuntary
repatriation
to
to produce
medium term.
on this sensitive
Many will have doubts
if the even Vietnam,
The
Vietnamese authorities provided the necessary assurances:
CONFIDENTIAL.