TNAG-0894-FCO40-1104-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 170

1

Private Secretary

1389A

C.C. PS/LPS

PS/Mr Blaker

PS/PUS

Mr Cortazzi

Mr Murray

Lord N Gordon-Lennox

SEAD

UN Dept

HK & General Dept

Mr Christopher (News Dept)

17/ü

HKK 243/i

DESK

по

A

2797.

20

no! 2197

GENEVA CONFERENCE ON INDO-CHINESE REFUGEES: PRESS

1.

The Geneva Conference is identified

in the public mind with HMG. We shall have a sound and defensible policy, which combines generous compassion

}

for the afflicted with firm condemnation of Vietnam, whose policies cause the problem and whose policies alone can

stop the flow at source. We must make the most of it.

2.

We will need to project our policy both internationally and domestically. The right place to do both is Geneva, since all the press will be there. It will be much more difficult to get the ear of the press on this subject from London. Other major delegations will certainly have much in mind the public relations aspect

of the Conference,

3.

I understand that the Minister of State,

Mr Blaker, has agreed to meet the press in Geneva on Thursday, 26 July for a curtain-raiser.

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4.1