TNAG-0893-FCO40-1103-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 76

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Vietnamese Refugees:

[9 JULY 1979 }

whether he is aware that he has very strong general support in the attitude he takes to this question, may we repeat our view that the Geneva conference, to be of any use at all, must be attended by the perpetrators of this crime?—and that is not certain. In addition, it should have the most comprehensive agenda and those responsible for this infamy should not dictate the conduct or content of the conference. Questions about the con- tinuing sources of these masses of refugees which are to be discussed are not only the questions raised by the noble Lord, Lord Avebury-which refer to what we do with those already expelled. That would be to connive at the policy of the Vjetnamese by making it more possible for them to continue what they are doing now. We should look to the results of what they are doing. Finally, may I suggest-

Several noble Lords: Question!

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS: My Lords, the phrase "may I suggest" is an interrogatory introduction to what I was going to say. Is the noble Lord aware that we on this side would welcome an early and comprehensive statement by him on this matter arising from his first-hand examination and experience of this problem in Hong Kong?

Lord CARRINGTON: Yes, my Lords, if I may answer the last question first, I think that perhaps the right thing to do is to make a Statement to the House after the conference has taken place

on

20th July, when we shall have more of an idea of what other people have been doing to help and what other countries can do to help. Perhaps I can then say more than I am able to say this afternoon.

I agree with everything that the noble Lord opposite has said. I do not think the scale of this problem is perhaps yet understood. One of the facts I dis- covered in Malaysia was that recently 40 per cent. of the Vietnamese refugees who arrived there are of Vietnamese ethnic origin and not Chinese. The problem is not just related to the ethnic Chinese in Vietnam but also to others. It may be that the scale of this problem is greater than we understand. Therefore, it is very important that the world as a whole should condemn what the Vietnamese Government are doing.

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Lord HARRIS of GREENWICH: My Lords, may I ask the Foreign Secretary whether he is aware that many of us in all parts of the House very much welcome his statement that the responsibility for this very grave situation is entirely that of the Government of Vietnam and that of nobody else? May I also ask whether he would not agree that it would be parti- cuarly helpful if many of those who have consistently supported the case of the régime in Vietnam would joint their voices with those of many of the rest of us in applying pressure to the Government of Vietnam for them to accept their inter- national responsibilities? Lastly, may I ask whether the Statement on the confer- ence could be made before the House rises for the Summer Recess?

Lord CARRINGTON: My Lords, the answer to the last question is, yes. I agree with what the noble Lord said. Some- times I am appalled at the double standards that people have about these matters. I wonder what would have happened if we in this country had pushed off into the North Sea half a million of the people who were not ethnically our own.

Lord SHINWELL: My Lords, following the Question I ventured to ask on this subject last week, may I ask the Foreign Secretary whether he can state, in order to clarify the matter and to help us further, which countries have now agreed to attend the Geneva Conference and whether there is any likelihood of the Soviet Union and the Chinese People's Republic attending?

Lord CARRINGTON: My Lords, I am afraid I could not say that without notice. I believe that about 60 or 70 countries have been asked. This is within the compass of the Secretary-General's arrangements and it is not for Her Majesty's Government to decide who is asked. I think that the Soviet Union have been asked and, speaking without notes, I have an idea that they have refused to come. I am not sure about China.

Lord BROCKWAY: My Lords, I agree with the noble Lord's statement that the problem is much more complex, but I disagree with some of those who say that the sole responsibility is in Vietnam. The conference is to be for only two days.