CONFIDENTIAL
·
If, however, the other ASEAN members. take a strong line, the
strong.iine, Philippines will follow. The Philippines Government has already offered an island processing centre; and Foreign Minister Romulo's opening statement at Bali concentrated on the humanitarian aspect of the problem.
USA
1
2. The Americans are in favour of "de-linking" the two i..i aspects of the crisis le finding more resettlement places and criticising Vietnam directly. Priority should be given to consideration of the increasing number of refugees and the Likely continuation of this trend. They have already promised to double their monthly intake of 7,000 refugees. They want other countries to help, both the wealthy ones (eg Japan) and those with space to spare (eg Latin America).
JAPAN
3
i
*
1.
Japan is very unlikely to make more than a token offer to increase her recently established quota of refugees for settlement (500) in itself a notable reversal of policy. She may well step up her financial assistance to the UNHCR and help to establish and support the island processing centres in Indonesia and the Philippines.
She They will continue to urge the Vietnamese to conduct an orderly and restricted emigration policy. They are unlikely to suspend aid to Vietnam as a
or, on the other means of pressure, but are untikety' to enter into new aid ". commitments.
EUROPE
..4.
She in
auther
A
!
for revertent of Victimasone
וי
France has. the best record amongst the European states Cover51,000 since 1975) and President Giscard has offered to take an additional $,000 during the coming weeks,
France's capacity to house and arrange transit for refugees will thus be fully used (the implication being that other states should do more). The French doubt whether the conference.will solve the refugee problem, but hope that better organised relief may ensue. They, too, are in favour of keeping open their. Lines of communication with Vietnam.
17
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.