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larger groups of refugees. Once again we see hore an example of B.C.A.R.'s uique and valuable ability to provide practical care and assitance to those actually in need.

On another matter, I appreciate the concern which has been expressed

at our decision to close the special programme for Latin American refugees. It is clear that such a programmo is justified only if the special nood exists. Such a need arose

in the case of Latin America in 1973 and the Government responded

accordingly. Since that time some 3,000 Latin American refugces

have arrived here, a figure surpassed by very few of the

countries participating in that exerciso. The special nature of the problem of the Latin American refugees has inished as

the High Commissionor himself has acknowledged, and with it the

justification for treating Latin American refugees more

favourably than refugees from elsewhere in the world. I would

stress that ending the special programme does not mean that

refugees from Latin American will no longer be considorod: only that in future applications from overscas for refugee status from Latin Americans will be subject to exactly the same

critoria as those applied in applications from nationals of any other country. Naturally, refugee matters in Latin America will

/be kept