127
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Yes
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efforts!!
Mr My Haswinde
CONFIDENTIAL
SY
BRITISH EMBASSY
3100 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington DC 20008
Telex Domestic USA 89-2370/89-2384
Telex International 64224(WUI)/440015(ITT)
Telephone (202) 462-1340
DH Colvin Esq
SEAD
FCO
Dear David.
Your reference
Our reference
R/ c.c. Mr Footman, HKS
c.c.Mr.
Date
Mi
22 March 1989
AG. 39/3
DAVID GILLMORE'S TALKS IN WASHINGTON: VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
1.
During his talks in Washington on 20 March with David Lambertson (Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asia at State), David Gillmore took the opportunity to mention the Vietnamese refugees issues.
2. Lambertson confirmed that the US were happy with the outcome of the Prepcon for the International Conference. They were glad that it had proved possible for the Western members to stick together. The US priority remained the preservation of the principle of First Asylum. As long as that was in place, the US could live with the changing attitudes in South East Asia towards the principle of screening/repatriation.
3.
David Gillmore briefed Lambertson on the present situation in Hong Kong and our hope to arrange some further voluntary repatriation before long. He also outlined our problems with the Chinese, who were both pressing us to resolve the refugee problem before 1997, and were also offering assistance to each coast-hopping boatload of Vietnamese refugees heading for Hong Kong.
4.
David Gillmore mentioned that the dates of 13-14 June for the International Conference clashed with the European Parliamentary elections. Sir Geoffrey Howe was hoping to attend at least part of the conference. It would be much easier for him (and presumably other European Foreign Ministers) to do so if the dates of the conference could be slipped even by 24 hours. Lambertson took note, and was particularly interested to hear that the Secretary of State himself was thinking of attending part of the conference.
Ye ever, Relie
PF Ricketts
/cc:
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