TNAG-0793-FCO40-997-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1978 — Page 193

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Programmes in 1978, as approved by the Executive Committee was only $ 35 million, against which Governments had pledged scarcely $13 million, of which only

$5 million were available for commitment on 1 January.

I was concerned that orderly planning and implementation might be impossible in such circumstances. When I voiced my concern, I was told by my colleagues

to have an abiding faith in the generosity and understanding of Governments. In the nine months that have passed. I have been gratified to see that optimism justified... Governments, with few exceptions, have responded generously to my several appeals for financial support. Today, I am happy to report that the General Programmes for 1978 have been fully financed and, additionally, over $ 55-million have already been provided for the Special Programmes.

I wish to express my deep gratitude for this testimony of trust and confidence in UNHCR.

I am well aware, however, that Governments - on their side would wish to see as comprehensive a presentation as possible of our General Programmes, particularly in order to cover those who are traditionally of our concern, and especially when their needs prove to be of an on-going nature. To this end, I have proposed the inclusion in the 1979 General Programes of our activities on behalf of refugees and displaced persons from the Indo-China peninsula. This means that the General Programmes for 1979, as presented to this Committee, amount to $ 87.8 million; a figure substantially higher than the revised target for 1978. However, the size of the General Programmes for 1979 should not cause alarm since a major part of the increase is being offset by corresponding reductions in the Special Programmes.

Indeed, for those concerned with budgets, the total increase in expenditures

total funds, of the Office is minimal. These expenditures were $ 91 million in 1976,

$ 111 million in 1977 and, this year, they may be between $ 110-115 million. Taking into account currency fluctuations, inflation and desperate needs that

we are in conscience bound to try to meet, we earnestly hope our plans will receive your understanding.

In the same spirit, with this effort by us to bring before this Committee our General Programmes in as complete a form as possible, we would urge that Governments pledge a corresponding increase in their annual contribution to the General

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Programmes. That alone would ensure an orderly transfer of activities from the Special to the General Programmes.

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