TNAG-0883-FCO40-1093-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 106

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Hanoi with the Vietnamese ücvernment, it was understood that the movement of persons

would comprise family reunion cases and special humanitarian cases, and that this

movement should begin as soon as possible. It was further understood that the number

of departures would depend both on the volume of applications for departure in Viet

Nam and the availability of entry visas for countries of new residence.

3.

Regarding the exceptions to these eligible to leave as stated in the 12 January

announcement, the Vietnamese authorities informed the UNHCR delegation that they

would pursue a policy of flexibility to avoid separating families and to maximize

family reunion. As part of this policy the Vietnamese authorities informed the UNHCR

delegation that the exception relating to persons who have military obligations would

be waived.

4. During the course of the discussions, the delegation conveyed to the Vietnamese Government the concern of other governments, as expressed to UNHCR, over the continuing

flow from Viet lam, especially on large boats, and that a programme of orderly

departures could not elicit the necessary support unless there was a significant

improvement in this regard.

5. It was recognized by all concerned that the programme of orderly departures

from Viet Nam cannot be carried out to the detriment of resettlement programmes for

those waiting in refugee centres in South East Asia.

6. Discussions are continuing between the Vietnamese Government and UNHCR on the

practical modalities and technical aspects for implementing the special programme for

orderly departures. The Vietnamese authorities informed the UNHCR delegation that

the government was prepared to provide the necessary conditions and co-operate with UNHCR in such a programıne. Concurrently, discussions are also being undertaken by

UNHCR with countries of new residence.

7. Another matter raised during the Geneva Consultations and discussed by the

delegation with the governments of the ASLAN countries, the Hong Kong authorities,

and representatives of interested governments, was the question of a special

processing centre or centres. In jakarta the Deputy High Commissioner met the Foreign Minister of Indonesia, Professor Mochtar Kusumaatmadja, who, as current

Chairman of the Standing Committee of ADLAN, spoke on behalf of the ASEAN governments.

Professor Mochtar Kusumaa tmadja stated Indonesia's willingness to make an island

available, subject to the conditions enumerated in the ASAN joint press statement of

20 February 1979. The Deputy High Commissioner reiterated UNHCR support for any