TNAG-0891-FCO40-1101-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 102

386 D073815 140M 5/74 Cr.P.C. Gp.839/3-

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

i

(b) We could instead name a lower figure, ie 5,000,

which would be net of other commitments This

would have the same practicable effect as (a)

above, and might be more acceptable to public

opinion here. However, the present trend of

press and TV comment is likely to arouse much

sympathy, even for a higher figure.

**

(c) The same figures could be expressed as a monthly

quota of 400, thereby simplifying the problem of

offsetting refugees picked up by British vessels

against our basic quota which we could offer to

the UNHCR.

The Lord Privy Seal suggests that we should make

our declaration to UNHCR and Dr Waldheim before the

Prime Minister leaves for the Tokyo summit. We know

that President Carter wants to raise the subject

there and a prior declaration from the UK will put

Mrs Thatcher in a good position. This is important,

also if pressure is to be brought on Japan to do more.

I am copying this letter to John Chilcot (Home

Office), Tom Harris (DOT), Bill Beckett (Law Officer's

Department) and Martin Vile (Cabinet Office).