TNAG-0888-FCO40-1098-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 89

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RECEIVED AM9TRUBU kubky

CONFIDENTIAL

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RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51

- 5 JUN 1979

DESK OFFICER

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- SEAD

Sir Parsons UND

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Chief Clerk

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Mr Cortazzi

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Mr Bullard

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Mr Fergusson Mr Leahy

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908

INDO-CHINA REFUGEES

CRITICISM OF VIETNAM

1. We are making great efforts to engage the interest and sympathy of other Governments, particularly to put pressure on the Vietnamese (or on the Russians, as Vietnam's best friends). A necessary part of this action is to bring home to opinion overseas and in the UK that it is the Vietnamese Government which is wholly responsible for the suffering and inhumanities surrounding the refugee exodus.

2. Departments are working on guidance to posts, moving forward from what the Lord Privy Seal said on 30 May, and Ministers may care to see the latest version of the draft instructions. This is now being updated to cover our call for an international conference. 3. I am sure we are right, politically and also morally, to pin the blame on Vietnam where it belongs. But we shall need to have a eye to:-

(a) our prime aim for a well-ordered and productive international

conference as soon as possible;

(b) the Russian reaction;

(c) the Vietnamese reaction.

4.

I do not believe the planned line should affect world suppo for a conference, provided the impression does not gain ground all we want is a Vietnam-bashing forum. Our first objective shent to marshal support for the conference; and, if necessary, exposu~~ Vietnam should be set in secondary place.

5. This relates also to the Russian attitude, because we do not want them to spring to Vietnam's defence and thus scare the waverers. At present it probably suits the Russian book quite well that the Western powers are embarrassed by the whole refugee problem, though they might be a little worried in case Vietnam's activities are getting out of hand. The Russians have kept aloof

/by alleging

CONFIDENTIAL