CONFIDENTIAL
until the possibilities of multilateral action have been exhausted. It would also give us more time to work on monitoring arrangements. But the Governor has pointed out that tension in the camps will rise again during and immediately after the resumed meeting of SC3, in
the expectation that repatriation of non-volunteers would begin after the meeting. He would greatly prefer not to try to mount the
operation at a time when tension is already high. We are inclined
to agree.
Action with the Vietnamese
Le Tho,
7. We still need to sign the Agreed Minute on modalities. We
should not delay signature until the last possible minute in case
there is a hitch which prevents the operation going ahead. Director of the Consular Department of the Vietnamese MFA, has suggested to HMA there may be questions to resolve before the first flight could take place. We should try to clear these up without
delay.
Monitoring
8. The Prime Minister attaches importance to credible monitoring
arrangements. UNHCR would be the most credible and internationally
acceptable agency, and their involvement has already been agreed in
principle with the Vietnamese. But hitherto UNHCR have agreed only to monitor those who return voluntarily. This attitude may change
following the recent departure of the former UN High Commissioner
for Refugees. We are continuing our contacts with UNHCR officials
pending the election of a new High Commissioner and taking action in
New York with the UN Secretary-General.
9.
In reality, if we proceed with repatriation on 2/3 December, it is unlikely that we will be able to set up independent monitoring arrangements by that time. The important point however, is not that
we should be able to monitor the first returnees immediately after
their arrival, but a few weeks later to see how they have progressed
after their return to their communities. We are more optimistic
NKSADA
CONFIDENTIAL