CONFIDENTIAL
:
1.
I have recast the Department's draft letter because I think our reply to the DOT should be as simple as possible. The basic point, I fear, is that Mr Nott is confusing two linked issues. The first is whether we should give an outright assurance to British shipping and to countries of first asylum and first port of call that we will accept any refugees not settleable elsewhere. On this Ministers have stood firm since the end of May, that a general commitment should not be given but that each case should be handled on its merits. The second is Ministers' decision in
July that any refugees rescued at sea who arrive in the UK would have to be counted against the 10,000 quota: but this in no circumstances amounted to a decision that a general guarantee should be given and indeed I assume that aspect was not discussed.
2. I think the only conclusion we can offer to Mr Nott is that if he still believes that we must give a general guarantee (which I am sure would be against the Prime Minister's wishes) he will have to raise the matter in OD or Cabinet.
3.
Mr-Hurd may think that the Secretary of State should see
these-papers 'if this is possible before he goes on leave. Thereafter they could be passed to PS/LPS so that the letter can issue from Mr Gomersall.
17 August 1979
cc SEAD
HKGD
UND MAED
CONFIDENTIAL
D F Murray
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