Mr White
4.
Mr Murray proposed that Mr Tesh should seek specific instructions from Lord Goronwy-Roberts to speak on his return
to Hanoi in the manner in which the Minister had addressed
Mr Giai about Mr White, and to stress that the views conveyed were those of the British Government. He should tell Nguyen
Co Tach that the Vietnamese must not underestimate the effect
of this case on our relations with them. For the present we should concentrate on getting access to Mr White. We had to accept that Mr White was subject to Vietnamese law.
It was
agreed that if the Vietnamese were to nominate an Ambassador, the FCO would consider advising that agrément be held up because
of Mr White. The reason for the delay could be communicated to the Vietnamese if they enquired the reason for this.
Hong Kong Belongers
5. It was agreed that if and when Mr Maideen left in September, Mr Tesh would make a fresh approach to the Vietnamese seeking to introduce Hong Kong immigration officers. It would be for Mr Tesh to propose what line this approach should take and secure Departmental agreement. It was noted that in Mr Maideen's absence the Vietnamese might try to foist people whom Hong Kong did not want on to the evacuation flights. We should have to
do our best to prevent this.
Reporting
6.
Mr Murray said that he would like to see a despatch on "Vietnam the repressive state", as well as more on Vietnamese
attitudes to the rest of Asia.
Claims
7. Mr Tesh said that we could expect no response from the Vietnamese to our claims for compensation for private interests, but he was prepared to send a formal note of reminder.
Сто витрие
11 August 1977
Distribution:
Mr Murray Mr Simons
Mr Goldsmith
Mr Humfrey Chancery, Hanoi
South East Asian Department
CONFIDENTIAL
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