TNAG-0793-FCO40-997-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1978 — Page 119

CODE 18-77

RESTRICTED

Reference

that it would, in my own view, be more fitting for countries such as the USA, Australia, Canada and France, which had already admitted large numbers of refugees, to take any international lead in solving the general problem. He disagreed, saying he thought the United Kingdom was in a much better position than these countries to lead discussions. I told Mr Heidler he could safely leave any judge- ments in this connection to the FCO. We were indeed sympathetic to the plight of all refugees as evidenced by our contributions to UNHCR and by the Home Office's generous policies on the admittance of refugees. I said that, in briefing the UK Delegation, we would need to take account of the United Kingdom's responsibilities elsewhere in the world, and also of the strain placed on British voluntary agencies in this country which have been resettling refugees here.

17 November 1978

P Morgan

United Nations Department K149 233-8631

cc: SEAD

HK+GD

MVD

MAED

Mr C Birt, Home Office

RESTRICTED