TNAG-0653-FCO40-802-Previously-closed-extract-Folio-87.-Now-released-and-reunite-1977 — Page 6

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CONFIDENTIAL

political overtone, also, in that the Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister, Phan Hien, has still to make his long forecast visit to Australia (see correspondence resting with my letter 020/5

There are still no dates for the to Humfrey of 2 February. visit.) The DFA would not want him to be able to accuse

It seems likely, Australia of interfering in Vietnamese affairs. moreover, that there will be a number of consular cases involving families of Vietnamese married to Australians which the DFA would want to raise with Phan Hien when he comes.

5. Apart from their approach to us, the DFA have apparently also instructed their missions in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur to speak to the local authorities and explain the Australian position. Missions have done so but reported that Canberra should not expect too much notice to be taken as it so obviously suits these countries to divert refugees towards Australia, albeit unofficially.

6.

I would suggest that the conclusion for us to be drawn from the above is that the Australians are going to look with a pretty jaundiced eye on any future suggestions of ours that '

While we would they might admit further groups of refugees.

of course have no hesitation in making approaches to the Australian authorities should you so wish, I think we would be

The well advised to choose our cases carefully from now on. standard Australian criteria in considering applications of close family relationship with Australia or required job skills are likely to be very strictly applied.

eve

Yours

hordou

GA Duggan

Cc: Chanceries:

Bangkok

Kuala Lumpur Singapore Hanoi Ottawa

CONFIDENTIAL

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