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DSR 11C (Revised 5/87)
the British Government's belief that resettlement alone
is not the solution to the Indo-Chinese refugee problem.
There is no doubt that the long-term solution lies in the
creation of acceptable conditions for the return to
Vietnam of those who have left for essentially economic
reasons. We are in contact with the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees and the main resettlement
countries over this issue. There is active international
discussion of the possibility of returning to Vietnam
under suitable safeguards those who do not meet the
criteria for refugees. Your report accurately identifies
the difficulties of implementing such an approach, and
emphasises that results will not be quickly achieved.
agree with this assessment, but we will nevertheless
pursue our goal vigorously.
We
Finally, aid to Vietnam. I have taken note of your
views, but I have to say that we have considerable
reservations about providing bilateral aid to Vietnam in
present circumstances.