Mr McLaren
N
Miss Staher M. MET BG 2017
W/22/1
FIKA 24318-45S+
RECEIV
2 5 JUL 1988
INT
oms
FROM:
D H Colvin
DATE:
CCA
South East Asian Department
21 July 1988
Mr Hum, HKD
Mr Thomas
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE: TALKS IN HANOI
1.
Mr Godson
The Vietnamese have now confirmed 3-5 August for talks in Hanoi. The composition of the delegation will, I assume, remain as previously agreed, ie Dick Clift as leader, supported by myself and Geoffrey Barnes.
2. I would be grateful for authority for the following travel plan which would enable me to combine some familiarisation with this working visit:
MONDAY 1 AUGUST
Depart London 1635
TUESDAY 2 AUGUST
Arrive Bangkok 1320
WEDNESDAY 3 AUGUST
Depart Bangkok 1010
MONDAY 8 AUGUST
Depart Hanoi 1250 Depart Bangkok 1540
TUESDAY 9 AUGUST
In Hong Kong
WEDNESDAY 10 AUGUST
Depart Hong Kong 2300
THURSDAY 11 AUGUST
Arrive Gatwick 0755.
Arrive Hanoi 1150
Arrive Bangkok 1430 Arrive Hong Kong 1920
3. This will enable me to have a quick sight of Bangkok which I last knew in 1971. Once glance will, I have no doubt, speak volumes about what has happened to this country since I knew it. I propose merely to transit Bangkok on 8 August. The Prime Minister will be there and the Embassy fully engaged with her programme.
4. Four and a half days in Hanoi may seem excessive but in fact there is little alternative because of the flights. I should be able to make good use of the time outside the official talks to get to know something of the country and its problems.
DFCTDTOPN