SUYAAF
RESTRICTED
EPC MINISTERIAL MEETING: ATHENS 18 JULY
BRIEF NO 9: VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE
Objectives
нко 243/8
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
14 JUL 1988
DESK OFFICTI
INDEX
1.
To press the Twelve to make an early demarche to Vietnam.
Points to make
521
Welcome Vietnam's offer to discuss the problem with places of first asylum and UNHCR. We believe the proposed demarche by the Twelve will help to maintain pressure on Vietnam to take the talks seriously and urgently. UK has circulated draft text. Hope partners can agree this so that early action can be taken.
[If necessary]
Cannot
We and Hong Kong are taking up Vietnam's offer of talks. expect quick results. Vietnamese objectives may well be quite different to ours. [If pressed] We will focus on the practicalities of repatriation and control of illegal departures from Vietnam.
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