CONFIDENTIAL
(248
HKB
243 la
From: A R Brenton
United Nations Dept
Date: 1 September 1989
Mr Haswell, HKD
пус
cc: Miss Marsden
Mr McLaren PS/Mr Maude PS
Mr Godson, SEAD
Mr Whitehead, News Dept
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE: REPATRIATION
1. You asked for comments on your minute of 31 August.
2. I have only one. I entirely support the idea of using the breathing space that has now opened up to press the UNHCR into being more helpful on voluntary repatriation. I do not think however that the idea of an ultimatum to Hocké,or setting a precise arithmetical formula to measure whether our demand is met, will necessarily have the effect we are looking for. I do think that we can usefully make it clear to Hocké that our decision on what happens after late October will depend heavily upon whether we judge that the rate of voluntary return is increasing satisfactorily, in particular in proportion to the rate at which people are being screened out.
ARRE
A R BRENTON
CONFIDENTIAL
ARBAER