TNAG-0892-FCO40-1102-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 225

BP Tanker Company Limited

Britannic House, Moor Lane, London EC2Y 9BR

Mr. J. M. Graham,

Shipping Policy Division,

Department of Trade,

1 Victoria Street,

LONDON, S.W.1.

Our reference MD

Your reference

Telephone

Date

01-920 6321

21st June, 1979

Dear Mr. Graham,

The BP Tanker Company Limited would like to place on record the fact that from time to time ships owned by us and registered in the U.K. are engaged in voyages which take them through the South China Sea. Considering the prevailing political situation in that general area, the possibility exists that one of our tankers may find itself called upon to render assistance to Vietnamese refugees in distress at sea.

Whilst any of our ships would of course take such action as might be necessary in the circumstances, we must stress the acute problems which would face the master of a tanker, carrying a hazardous cargo of crude oil or products, in seeking to ensure the safety and welfare of even a limited number of refugees for however short a period of time.

If such a situation were to arise, we would naturally lock to H.M.G. to give us every assistance in dealing with the matter in the most appropriate and expeditious manner.

Yours sincerely,

Fasting.

(G. A. B. King) Managing Director

Telex No: London 888811

(A/B 388911 BPLDNA-G GJ Inland telegrams Beepeelona Telex London

Foreign telegramis

Beepeelond London EC2 Telephone (switchboard) 01 920 6000

Registered office:

Bitannic House Moo: Lane

London EC2Y9PU

Registored in England No 140+32

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