TNAG-0899-FCO40-1109-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 138

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Separate copies:

Mr Morrice, SAFD

Mr Cordiner, Rhodesia Dept

Mr Kampton, EAD

THIRD COMMITTEE: ITEM 83, REFUGEES}

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1. We have just received the attached self-explanato letter and enclosures dated 8 November from UMis New York about the refugee item in the Third Committee. We had earlier been advised thai there would be some slippage of approximately 4 days, but it now appears that this item is due to be taken on time on 13 and 14 November.

I should, therefore, be grateful for urgent comments on the Line to take in the UK speech on refugee problems in Africa (paragraph 1 of the letter under reference). My own inclination would be to make a minimal contribution on this subject and to wake it as bland as possible.

3. I am also copying this minute to Hong Kong & General Dept and SEAD.

Hong Kong & General Dept may wish to comment on the attached draft resolutions, one proposed by the Danes and the other by the ASEAN countries. The Danish resolution is unexception: but it may be presentationally better for the resolution to be adopted by the UN General Assembly to be of South East Asian origin. I should welcome SEAD's urgent views on our attitude to these draft resolutions and, in particular, whether or not we would be interested in co-sponsoring either of them.

4. Southern Africa Dept should also note that we shall shortly be receiving a Nigerian draft resolution on refugees in Southern Africa (paragraph 4 of the letter under reference).

9 November 1979

cc: HKGD

SEAD

CODE 18-77

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Mrs G Tucker

United Nations Department K149 233 5032