MADACV (3)
38. WHAT ARE YOUR REACTIONS TO FAC CONCLUSIONS ON VIETNAMESE BOAT
PEOPLE?
Welcome FAC conclusion that screening policy is the right way
ahead.
Also welcome their acceptance that there is no alternative
to repatriation of non-refugees. We will press ahead with this, on
the basis that any repatriation arrangements should be accompanied
by suitable safeguards for treatment on return to Vietnam.
39. UNITED STATES SHOULD ACCEPT ITS FAIR SHARE OF RESPONSIBLITY
(FAC RECOMMENDED)
US representative at Geneva Conference, Mr Eagleburger, himself
said that vast majority of boat people leaving Vietnam will fail to qualify as refugees and will therefore not be eligible for
resettlement in the West. But he did not draw logical conclusion that those screened out must therefore return to their country of
origin.
If these people are to be categorised as not entitled to
treatment as refugees, must be right to try, as we are doing, to
secure method for them to return to their homeland, on the basis of
clear assurances of humane treatment and suitable monitoring
arrangements.
40.
CHINESE SHOULD BE TAKE MORE RESPONSIBLE APPROACH TO PROBLEM
(FAC RECOMMENDATION)
Have already pressed Chinese on number of occasions to take
effective action to deter Vietnamese boat people from making their
way to Hong Kong. Will continue to do so. Believe Chinese have
major role to play in helping to address this problem.