Α
B
MAXABP
CONFIDENTIAL
NO SEPARA Bin
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG: ANNOTATED AGENDA FOR
SECRETARY OF STATE'S MEETING, 20 APRIL 1989
12 → 22
28
1. Mandatory Repatriation
References: Mr Paul's submission of 12 April
Mr Brenton's minute of 12 April
Is HMG prepared to countenance the principle of mandatory
repatriation?
Can we convince domestic and foreign opinion that it is a
humanitarian solution?
FAC attitude. How to prepare House of Commons.
If so, should we work for agreement at Geneva Conference on
timetable/mechanism to implement it?
If not, can we make tactical use of the threat of mandatory
repatriation in order to focus minds on the immediacy of the problem
and the need for a rapid solution?
Are we prepared to press for mandatory repatriation at the risk
of alienating the Americans or UNHCR?
2. Aid to Vietnam
Are we prepared to contemplate resumption of aid to Vietnam
before withdrawal from Cambodia as price for more forthcoming
Vietnamese attitude on repatration or must we wait on Cambodia?
Would other potential donors (eg the French and Japanese) be prepared to make such a link?
Is our bilateral programme likely to be sufficiently large to
offer real leverage?
What form might aid take?
(eg support for Fibre optic project,
English language training officer, reintegration assistance).
CONFIDENTIAL