LOC
MINUTE
D/DS11/6/7
DS5a
Copy to:
DS15(L)
CONFIDENTIAL
RICHIVED
11 OCTW32
DNPlans
DNOT
FCO (HK&Gen)
00561
DCS (ROW) (FE) (with previous papers)
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES: OPPOSED TOWING OF CRAFT
1.
LA- advices'se.
I have just seen a copy of the letter of 24 September to you from the Hong Kong and General Department in reply to your minute of 11 August.
2.
I note the various legal points made by the FCO and look forward
me far more, however, What concern to seeing in due course the further legal advice that I assume we are still awaiting from T Sol.
We must recognise that if this policy are the broader political implications, about which the FCO have already expressed concern. of using RN vessels to tow refugees out to sea is formally agreed and implemented we will surely face Parliamentary and press criticism,
You will recall that however careful we may be in ensuring that the vessels are sea- worthy, not overloaded, adequately provisioned and fuelled, and capable of reaching some other safe landfall.
the question of turning away Vietnamese refugees arose in 1980 in the context of Brunei and caused considerable heart-searching and a I appreciate that the cir- protracted exchange of correspondence between the Minister of State in the FCO (Mr Blaker) and the Sultan. cumstances and our responsibilities are different in Hong Kong, but I suggest that the issue is nevertheless only marginally less
One aspect In view of the sensitivities, it will be necessary for emotive. MOD Ministers to be consulted and I would have thought that FCO officials might also feel the need to submit to theirs. that will need to be fully covered is whether there is any possible alternative to RN involvement in the operation; I do not suppose it would be feasible, for example, to leave the task entirely to the Royal Hong Kong Police?
No
7 Oct 82
CONFIDENTIAL
Riva
G D MAGNUS DS11
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