TNAG-0793-FCO40-997-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1978 — Page 65

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CONFIDENTIAL COVERING SECRET

(f) But we and the rest of the free world must face up to the

fact that Vietnam is now running a cynical export industry in refugees, most of whom, having been made to pay in gold, leave with official connivance. Hanoi telegram No 197 is very revealing. So is the attached (highly sensitive) report from

our "unofficial" representative in Saigon. If the flood of

boat people rises to 20.000 in November, this will eclipse

even the latest US offer. And we may get a "Hai Hong" type

ship appearing at Hong Kong at any time.

(g) While we cannot play a leading part in Geneva because of our

immigration situation, we ought to discover how other leading

participants are thinking, both on the question of taking more

refugees and also on tackling the root cause, ie Vietnam, SO as to prepare our own position.

(h) We also need to decide our level of attendance at Geneva. The

Americans and Canadians may be represented at political level. The Australian Minister of Immigration is going. Against this the Thai Foreign Minister said that his delegation would

consist of an official from the Ministry of Interior plus the

Thai Permanent Representative. This is an important meeting, though probably only the first of a series. Given that we

cannot be too forthcoming, it seems right that Sir James Murray should represent the UK, supported by officials from the FCO, Home Office and Hong Kong.

2.

(1)

The following drafts are submitted:-

a minute from the Secretary of State to the Home Secretary (which I have adapted from the Department's rather long draft letter);

(11) A telegram to principal interested posts.

PS. Since the foregoing was prepared we have received a copy

of the US briefing instructions. These are attached. Mr Cortazzi will be able to use them as the basis for a follow-up discussion in Washington next week.

3.

G

30 November 1978

D F Murray