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opportune. The Dutch also suggested that linkage be made between the provision of food aid by the Commission and undertakings by the Vietnamese over the outflow of refugees. For the French, Monsieur Julienne said that while he understood our worries, he wondered whether a demarche might in fact prove counter-productive in view of the various humanitarian demarches we had made to Vietnam in
the past. No other delegations expressed a view and in summing up Herr Zeller suggested that the meeting simply take note and that the subject be discussed again at the next AWG. He added that in his view the question lay in the first instance with the UNHCR and suggested that one possibility might be to funnel the Twelve's point of view through the UNHCR, a view supported by the Belgians.
6.
(Comment)
It is clear that this issue is not of great interest to most Partners although the robust Dutch position was helpful. The German proposal to co-ordinate a line through UNHCR might also have its advantages. We might discuss this further with UKMIS Geneva to see whether we could engineer an approach from UNHCR to the Twelve (in support perhaps of ICG representations).
B:
7.
The Philippines
The Germans gave a brief report on their recent discussions with Gaston Sigur. They said they had told Mr Sigur that they fully shared his views on the need for support for Mrs Aquino. Herr Zeller wondered whether a group like IGGI could be formed to co-ordinate assistance to the Philippines. There was no reaction from other
delegations.
C:
8.
Burma
In response to the Presidency's suggestion that we might make a demarche following recent events in Rangoon, I explained our reservations and was supported by the Dutch and the French. There was agreement that the subject should therefore be kept under review.
9.
The Commission however volunteered the information that Monsieur Cheysson is to visit Burma from 3-6 July and the Commission was reviewing the possibility of increasing development aid to Burma. They expected to announce a significant increase during Monsieur Cheysson's visit. therefore asked whether the Commission were aware of Japanese proposals for an International Donors Conference on Burma. They were not (nor it seemed was anyone else at the meeting) but, worryingly, did not seem inclined to let this affect their view that they should be giving more aid. (Comment: sadly, the Commission's attitude seems not untypical. If an International Donors Conference is organised in an effort to instill some long-overdue economic discipline into Burmese policy making, an increase
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