TNAG-0498-FCO40-563-Deportation-of-foreign-nationals-from-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 123

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NICKIYLS

309

{

Mr Wilford

PS/Lord Goronwy-Roberts

cc: HKIOD

ILLEGAL EMIGRANTS FROM SOUTH VIETNAM

Problem

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1.

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1719

The Ambassador in Saigon has asked for guidance on how he

should act on our suggestion that he might further explore the

possibility, first raised by the South Vietnamese Foreign

Minister, that a visit might be arranged to those of the group

of 118 who are awaiting trial in Saigon. Our suggestion was

prompted by Lord Goronwy-Roberts' enquiry about the possibility

of such a visit to check on the condition of the deportees.

Background

2.

The Ambassador appears to envisage a more formal approach

to this problem than we had contemplated. Our object is rather

to persuade the South Vietnamese to secure independent corroboration

of their claims that the prisoners are being fairly treated.

Recommendation

3.

I recommend that Saigon be given further guidance on the

/lines