TNAG-0792-FCO40-996-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1978 — Page 291

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open sea could invite criticism on humanitarian grounds.

That apart,

it would be unfortunate if this episode were to set a precedent for

ships to offload refugees in the vicinity of ports not on their

established route. Singapore as well as Hong Kong could be

particularly vulnerable to this type of action.

The British High Commission avail themselves of this opportunity to .

renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the assurances of their

highest consideration.

BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION

SINGAPORE

25 May 1978

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