DSR 11
Registry No.
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
Top Secret.
Secret.
Confidential
Restricted.
Unclassified.
PRIVACY MARKING
DRAFT
letter
To: -
Dennis Canavan Esq MP
House of Commons LONDON SW1
Type 1 +
From
Mr Luard
Telephone No. Ext.
Department
+
In Confidence I am replying to your letter of 9 January to David Owen,
with which you enclosed one from your constituent,
Dr N K Symon of 46 Branziert Road North, Killearn, Glasgow,
about the Government's attitude towards the plight of the
Vietnamese refugees.
The Government share your constituent's concern for these
unfortunate people, but I do not agree with his view that
tunate
Britain has played a "disgracefully small part in accepting
these people". Britain has already admitted some 1,400
Indo-Chinese refugees, most of whom are Vietnamese boat
refugees. And the Home Secretary announced last week that
we would admit a further 1,500 Vietnamese refugees. Apart
from this, the Government have accepted ultimate responsibilit
for all refugees who are rescued by vessels registered in
United Kingdom ports. This will mean that we shall be
taking more refugees in future, in addition to the number
announced by the Home Secretary. There have already been a
considerable number of rescue operations involving British
ships and Vietnamese boat refugees: you will recall the
much publicised evacuation to the United Kingdom last
October of 46 refugees rescued by the mv WELLPARK.
/The Government
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