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British Embassy
11 Guang Hua Lu Jian Guo Men Wai Peking People's Republic of China
Telex 22191 Cable Prodrome Peking Telephone 521961/2/3/4/5
PS/Mr. Maude Mi Colvin
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53
Pr Bruce 387A)
a poy 6
рез
ð
RAJ Bunten Esq
APA (G)
HONG KONG
Dear Rod
Your reference
Our reference
020/393/6B
Date
7 May 1990
HKB 243/13
¿CEIVED IN REGISTRY
17 MAY 1990
TZA
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE
1.
Recently several of the British journalists resident in Peking have visited Guangxi. Among them was Louise Branson, correspondent for the Sunday Times. During her visit she took a particular interest in VBP and land-crossers. I understand that she intends to write an article on this subject for the Sunday Times.
2. Louise told me that of all the subjects she tried to raise with the local officials, this was clearly the most sensitive. None of those she met were willing to discuss it, however frank they were on other subjects. She also told me that in Beihai there are now boatyards specifically devoted to building boats to sell to VBP to allow them to travel on to Hong Kong.
3.
I am planning to visit Guangxi myself in June, and intend to include VBP and land-crossers in the subjects that I will tackle. I should be grateful for any advice you could offer on the basis of your own trip on contacts etc.
Yours Ever
CC:
HKD, FCO
SC Riordan
Second Secretary (Chancery)
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