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made already about Chinese attacks on their shipping and our
wish to see a peaceful settlement of the Spratlys issue. It is
worth bearing in mind that disputed claims on territorial
waters could have a serious impact on the British oil companies
operating under Vietnamese licences. The Vietnamese also have
a real interest in moving closer to ASEAN: but they are
realistic that their economy has a long way to go before they can aspire to membership. On Cambodia they were concerned
about the Khmer Rouge but had no solutions to offer. They were
keen to impress on us that Vietnam was no longer interfering or
involved in Cambodian affairs.
17. The Foreign Minister extended an invitation for you to
visit Vietnam soon. I think you should seriously consider doing
so within the next couple of years. There are many good reasons
for getting closer to Vietnam.
ت المميا عاما أن
من
ALASTAIR GOODLAD
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