4.
are:
Chronologically the key events which will trigger the media
(i)
Before (or at) SC3 in Geneva (16/17 October)
We must sign the agreement with the Vietnamese. (From our viewpoint this would be better completed in a low key way in Hanoi by our Ambassador rather than at Geneva where it
-
would receive much greater publicity). The announcement of this agreement will be a clear signal to the media that we
are ready to move to mandatory repatriation. We should play this straight and make public as much as possible the details of the agreement while making no projections on
dates.
(ii)
(iii)
At SC3
- The press and media will pick up our arguments making the case for international support for moving beyond voluntary repatriation.
If we
are thought at Geneva to have lost the argument, ie. with the UNHCR or Americans, we shall need to play down the extent of the "row": making it clear that we have made some further progress in persuading our international partners that we have no option but to move to mandatory repatration; and asserting that our action will not undermine the CPA.
The first repatriation
Our line should be:
- We are using normal deportation procedures.
The Vietnamese have given assurances that no-one will be punished on return.
The treatment of the returnees will be monitored (but see
below).