DEFENSIVE NOTES
Question 1:
If asked about refugees on the Roach Bank.
Answer: Successive British Governments have agreed to
receive, as a last resort, refugees picked up on the high
seas by British registered ships where life would otherwise
have been endangered.
Question 2: Does the British Government continue to
endorse the obligations on masters of British ships to
rescue those on the high seas whose lives are in danger?
Answer: Yes
Question 3:
Does this mean the UK will in such circumstances
accept responsibility for these refugees?
Answer: We will consider each case on its merits.
Question 4:
What consultations with the international
community have already taken place?
Answer: We have been in continual touch with the United
Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and with interested
Governments; we have in particular made the strongest
representations to the Government of Vietnam.
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