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that in some cases that number might well be the quota they had pledged in July. How were such governments then to react to the increasing number of categories (family reunification, orderly departure, handicapped refugees and minors, those rescued at sea by flagships, the pool for those rescued at sea) which UNHCR were now proposing should be available to governments! I was not given an answer until the end of the meeting (it is a question that both Missions and UNHCR have been avoiding for some time), when De Haan replied unequivocally that UNHCR took the view that governments should be as flexible and generous as possible and that refugees accepted in these categories should be over and above the quotas pledged in July.
3. I should welcome your views on the extent to which the UK is prepared to accept refugees under family reunification, orderly departure, those rescued at sea by our flagships, handicapped and minors, and whether or not these would be in addition to our quota. Also, are we willing to make a contribution to the "rescue at sea pool", particularly as we are one of the few maritime countries which does not provide a guarantee? I enclose an information paper on resettlement which UNHCR circulated at the meeting.
Yours ever
· David
cc: Miss C Bentley UND FCO
R A McDowall Esq, HOME OFFICE
I Orr Esq Ass Pol Adviser HONG KONG
DR Snoxell
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