CONFIDENTIAL
5.
15.
Mr Cortazzi said that the British Government were considering a statement about their policy on refugees before the Geneva con- ference. This was likely to explain the extent to which the UK was prepared to offer resettlement places. The figures would be significant, in relation to our own problems, and would be an effective response to the UNHCR's representations to us.
16. Officials would be going to Geneva on 18 July for pre-conference consultations the next day. Lord Carrington intended to go to the first day of the conference and Mr Blaker, who was due to return early from the ceremonies for Kiribati's independence, would also attend. Mr Sonoda would represent Japan and Messrs Mondale or
Vance the USA.
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sea
17.
Amongst the subjects for discussion at the conference would be the refugee processing centres (which might better be called "transit" centres). It had been suggested that they might deal with up to 100,000 refugees. The safety of the refugees while still at and the need for follow-up to the conference (pledges of assistance; a possible meeting of the UN Security Council; what to do over Vietnam's policy vis-a-vis the refugees) would also need to be discussed. The full backing and support of the ASEAN states, at a high level, was necessary. ASEAN should send strong delegations, the members of which would be able to play a full part in the discussions. It could also help to sway opinion in the non-aligned countries.
18.
From subsequent answers by the ASEAN representatives, it was clear that Mr Rajaratnam, Tan Sri Ghazali and probably
Professor Mochtar would be attending the conference. It was not yet certain who would represent Thailand and the Philippines.
18 July 1979
South East Asian Department
CONFIDENTIAL
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