C
10.
CONFIDENTIAL
15A.
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES: UNDER UN AUSPICES
ACTION BY HMG TO SECURE A SPECIAL CONFERENCE
CONTACTS WITH THE UNITED NATIONS IN NEW YORK AND GENEVA
1.
The Prime Minister sent a message to Dr Waldheim on 31 May
urging him to convene a conference. The Prime Minister sent a
second message on 18 June. Our Mission at the United Nations has been
in frequent contact with Dr Waldheim and his staff. Mr Blaker flew
to Geneva on 18 June for meetings with Dr Hartling, the United Nations'
High Commissioner for Refugees. Sir James Murray, the British
Ambassador in Geneva has been in daily contact with Dr Hartling and
his staff.
THE UNITED STATES
2.
We have been in close touch with the Americans throughout.
Mr Blaker had talks in Washington on 29 May and Sir M MacLehose,
Governor of Hong Kong on 18/19 June. The Secretary of State
discussed the problem with Mr Vance on 21 May.
THE NINE
3.
We have urged the Nine both in London and in capitals to
support our initiative Foreign Ministers of the Nine issued
·
Following a request by the
a Declaration in Paris on 18 June.
Prime Minister, President Giscard d'Estaing also supported her
proposal with Dr Waldheim.
4.
Support for the proposed conference was also sought
from the following countries and governments were urged to take
refugees or more refugees if they already had a programme.
OLD COMMONWEALTH
5.
Canada
Australia (who may intend to raise the refugees issue in
Lusaka) and
CONFIDENTIAL
/New Zealand
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.