International Law to take back those of their nationals who are
not allowed to remain on the territory of other states."
5. The Prime Minister is being briefed accordingly for Question
Time today
Page
AR Panc
A R Paul
Mr Store negli
мена руски
celi
HKB 24-3/72
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
19 JAN1990
DESK OFFICER
COUSTRY EROM:
INDEX
A
W/2010 Mr Paul Hud
Thank
you for conforng this paint
DATE:
22/12
21 DEC 1989
A R Paul
Hong Kong Department
19 December 1989
7
CC:
Private Secretary
ivate
Sir Arthur Watts, Legal
Adviser
Mr Gillmore
Mr McLaren
Mr Guy, SEAD
Mr Brenton, UND
Mr Burns, News Department
Mr Gregson, PRU
PS/Mr Maude
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE: INTERNATIONAL LAW
1.
Please refer to your minute of 18 December. I attach my minute
of 30 November which contains the original advice on this point
following consultation with our Legal Advisers. From this you will
see that the advice we gave was to use the formula "customary
international law". Sir Arthur Watts minuted on 19 December because
he was concerned that this formulation might in practice prove
something of a mouthful to deliver in the House, and could give rise
to misunderstanding. He therefore proposed the simpler, but also
correct formula "under international law".
2.
I have spoken to Mr Edwards, who has confirmed that the formula
in the Department's original advice is correct, but is also
consistent with the formulation in para 3 of Sir Arthur Watts'
minute of 13 December.
BODAAH
ARPanc
A R Paul