TNAG-0890-FCO40-1100-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 64

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The Thai Government has announced a policy of neutrality

toward the contending forces in Kampuchea. The task is more

difficult than might be supposed in view of the long and,

in places, rugged Thai border with Kampuchea and the ebb-and-

flow of military operations and refugee migrations which either

threaten or spillover into Thai territory. The fact that

the Pol Pot forces are generally backed up to the Thai border

by Vietnamese pressure tends to give an appearance of Thai

partiality. However, when Heng Samrin groups are similarly

exposed, the Thai have followed a consistent policy of allowing

both to return to Kampuchea at a safe point along the border.

Thailand's relations with China improved markedly during

1

1977-78 well in advance of the Vietnamese invasion of Kampuchea.

This was in keeping with the policy of the Thai Government to

improve its relations with all of its neighbors including

Vietnam, Laos and Kampuchea. Thailand also sought to confirm

its relations with other countries having interests in the region

and Prime Minister Kriangsak visited Tokyo, Moscow and Washington

as well as Beijing. We believe Prime Minister Kriangsak is

trying to pursue a policy of neutrality in a very difficult

situation with numerous conflicting pressures.

support him in these efforts.

We strongly

In recognition of this situation, as well as recognition

of our long-standing ties by treaty and friendship to Thailand,

the President assured Prime Minister Kriangsak during his visit