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£3.5 million for the general programme of the High Commissioner for Refugees in 1979, and we will consider whether we can give further financial help in the light of the escalating costs of the programne caused by the rapidly increasing numbers of refugees in South Eest Asia. But we hope that all countries in a position to do so, regardless of political views or alignment, will contribute to the relief of this overwhelming distress.
I believe urgent attention must be given throughout the world to the question of resettlement. At present only a few countries are carrying the burden. The great majority of member states of the United Nations have done little or nothing to help the High Commissioner for Refugees in his daunting task of caring for and resettling the refugees. Among these countries are many who have the capacity and ability to resettle and give new hope to these unhappy people from Indo-China.
The untiring efforts of the High Commissioner for Refugees deserve the greatest praise. However, the situation caused by Vietnam's inhuman actions is so grave that I am convinced that a further conference of member states of the United Nations should now be called under the authority of your own high office, to seek wider solutions to a problem which affects much more of the world than the parts of South East Asia where the refugees seek first asylum. The matter is urgent. Too many countries appear to have turned their backs on the plight of the refugees, and the international community must be brought to a proper realisation of its responsibilities to humanity.
I welcome the appeal that you have made to Governments throughout the world. This must now be translated into action. A special conference will have
our full support.
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