TNAG-0791-FCO40-995-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1978 — Page 231

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It was agreed that, if the film were suitable, the producer, or members of the Panorama team should be invited to show the film to the Committee.

4.

Future of the Committee

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Chairmanship

The Chairman explained that his three year term of office finished in January 1978. As he had now retired and was living in the country, it was difficult to keep in touch with developments. He felt that members interests would be better served by a Chairman who could maintain closer contact with developments affecting refugees.

Some proposals for the new Chairman were discussed; members were asked to make their suggestions to the Secretary before Christmas. The Standing Conference would be responsible for inviting a new Chairman after consultation with the Committee.

INDO-CHINESE REFUGEES

a) In Thailand

Lord Elton, who had recently visited Thailand, on behalf of the World Council of Churches, was to initiate a debate in the House of Lords on December 12th. He had asked for background information from the voluntary agencies working in Thailand. In discussion the following points were made:

i) Some 93,000 refugees were at present in Thailand (40,000-50,000 had already been resettled elsewhere.)

ii) The Thai Government tolerated the refugees temporarily but could not keep them permanently, because of Thailand's own situation and because of the fear of subversion. Therefore help was needed for the relief of the refugees in the camps and for resettle- ment in third countries.

iii) If some could be settled elsewhere it was possible that the Thai Government might give land for the settlement of other refugees in Thailand.

iv) There had been some local incidents on the border and some refugees had been

sent back.

v) Attempts had been made to seal the borders, particularly on the Cambodia side; in view of its length it would be difficult to do this completely.

vi) There had been a new procedure for screening, especially those arriving at the ports. It was difficult to decide who were bona fide refugees and who were leaving for economic reasons.

vii) Not all refugees, especially those from Cambodia, were in need. Some had money but had left their countries for fear of physical or mental oppression.

In some cases they had gone to live in the camps, so that they could be eligible for facilities, resettlement, etc.

viii) Miss Pearce suggested that the voluntary organisations should increase their aid in a positive way through a programme directed by the UNHCR and accepted by the Thai Government.

ix) Mr. Heidler said that the British Government were considering increasing their financial aid to the UNHCK'S special appeal for Thailand from £250,000 to £750,000. However the problem was not only financial but concerned resettlement in other countries.

x) It was important to show the Thai Government that the international community was concerned in the treatment of new refugees arriving. How could the British Govern- ment be persuaded to play a more active part?

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