TNAG-0587-FCO40-720-Aid-from-UK-for-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-1976 — Page 100

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

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do not, of course, wish to see special operations being "institutionalised" but the document does make a clear distinction of these activities and there can be no real grounds for objection.

Kurdish Refugees

The delegation may discuss most UNHCR activities drawing on other sections of this brief and its annexes but they should, if possible, avoid discussion of Kurdish refugees. There have been references in other fora to the maltreatment of Kurds by the Iraqis. However, when the High Commissioner visited the FCO in June, this problem was touched on and he said that as far as he was aware "there had been no settling old scores". (See annex 'F').

Rhodesian Refugees

The considerable numbers of Rhodesian African refugees in surrounding countries will probably call for some discussion.

The delegation may draw attention to HMG's condemnation of the recent attack by Rhodesian security forces on the refugee camp in Mozambique drawing, as appropriate, on Annex A of this brief. In this connection, the delegation could mention HMG's special contribution, subject to Parliamentary approval, of £100,000 to UNHCR for Rhodesian African refugees in Mozambique, and our belief that the best prospect of alleviating the suffering of those Rhodesians who have sought refuge in Mozambique is to press on in the search for an early settlement in Rhodesia.

Resettlement of Refugees

The delegation might draw attention to our acceptance so far of who have been satisfactorily sponsored under the Ten or More Plan. One further case is currently under consideration.

Refugees in Argentina

HMG view with great concern the plight of refugees in Argentina. Successive military take-overs in South American countries, especially those in the "southern cone" have led to a steady flow of refugees into Argentina. Estimates have put the number of foreigners in Argentina at two million. Most of them are "economic" refugees but substantial numbers moved to Argentina because of their dislike or fear of the Governments in their own countries. Most are Chilean but there are many Uruguayans. Some 10,000 refugees are registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Buenos Aires.

Before the military take-over in Argentina in March 1976, there were strong indications of Government-supported violations of human rights, including imprisonmnet without charge and maltreatment of detainees. The present Government headed by General Jorge Videla, face a difficult internal security situation. Powerful, well-armed guerrilla movements are active against the Government and right-wing unofficial terrorist groups are fighting the guerrillas and persecuting refugees. The Government has achieved only limited success against both factions.

The Argentine authorities are publicly pledged to respect the rights of refugees and have promised not to return any refugee to his country of origin if this might result in hardship. But there are frequent abductions of refugees and subsequent murders or torture.

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The problem

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