CONFIDENTIAL
FROM:
Monica Harper
(365)
HKB
24319
South East Asian Dept
Miss Marsden Mr Stool 6/11
Mr Hasyen word
DATE:
6 November 1989
CC:
PS
PS/Mr Maude
PS/Lord Brabazon
Mr McLaren
Mr Paul HKD
Mr Whitehead, News Dept
Mr Colvin
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE:
REPATRIATION
1. Mr Maude discussed a number of VBP related issues at an office
meeting on 3 November.
TIMING OF FIRST REPATRIATION
2. In the light of the Prime Minister's preference to delay the first repatriation until after her visit to Washington on 24 November, Mr Maude saw attraction in fixing the date to coincide with the US/Soviet Summit on 2/3 December. It would be important to consider carefully what the Prime Minister said to President Bush in
Washington and whether she should reveal the actual date.
AGREEMENT WITH THE VIETNAMESE
3. It was agreed that we should aim to sign the agreed minute with
the Vietnamese Government next week. This would also provide an early opportunity to find out what lay behind Le Tho's reference to "unresolved questions".
MR 4 AJL
CONFIDENTIAL