TNAG-0891-FCO40-1101-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 107

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With

HKK243/1

the refugees. But this would simply mean that these 43,000

tonnes would have to be allocated elsewhere: since the total

for Community action would remain the same, some other Community

recipients would have to be found. The procedure would not

liberate funds for use elsewhere.

6.

Nonetheless, in trying to persuade our partners not to

send the second tranche of 43,000 tonnes of grain to Vietnam,

we could suggest that this grain be used to help feed the refugees now living in camps in Hong Kong, Malaysia and elsewhere.

7. The Community is also committed to giving relatively small

amounts of butteroil(4,000 tons) and dried skimmed milk (15,000

tonnes) to Vietnam. These are not subject to any "good behaviour"

conditions, and, like the cereals, were approved by the Council

of Ministers on 8 May. However, in the absence of the good

behaviour clause it would be extremely difficult to reopen this

matter in the Council.

EID (E)

concur. This submission has also been discussed with.

the ODA, and is consistent with the advice they are submitting

separately to Mr Marten.

8.

N.P. Bage

19 June 1979

NP BAYNE

-

Financial Relations Department

1

This submission has been prepared in response to an enquiry which I understand the Secretary of State put to other FCO Ministers at his meeting this morning.

2

Mr Blaker and the Lord Privy Seal may care to note the terms

in which officials are advising Mr Marten to minute the Secretary

of State.

13.

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