TNAG-0653-FCO40-802-Previously-closed-extract-Folio-87.-Now-released-and-reunite-1977 — Page 152

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1. we spoke recently about the possibility that british ships might be turning a blind eye to small boat-loads of Vietnamese refugees, perhaps on the theory that to pick them up would cause a great deal of work. I understand that there is no evidence at all that captsins of British ships, or indeed of any ships, are turning such a blind eye. However, such evidence would, in my view, be extraordinarily difficult to find.

2. I wonder, therefore, whether it might not be a good idea to

issue a very short circular which set out in clear terms the present arrangements for the care and rehabilitation of small boat refugees. These arrangements are now fairly good and knowledge of them, and therefore of the fact that he could easily pass them on, might encourage a doubting captain to pick refugees up. The circular would need to be very carefully framed, partly so that no suspicion was implied and partly so captains were not attracted to take their refugees to any particular port (lest the port authorities complain).

3. 1 wonder if the LUT could be persuaded of this view. At first sight it could do no harm and might do quite a lot of good. if the idea goes ahead, I would be grateful if i could clear the circular in draft.

25 February 1977

TJ David Hong Kong Department X 245 233 4777

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