TNAG-1274-FCO40-1624-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 266

RESTRICTED

4 Repatriation

Any repatriation would have to be considered very carefully. It would for example require the cooperation of both the Vietnamese authorities and the international organisations concerned. Telmo 444 Because of the humanitarian considerations and legal difficulties, the option of pursuing forcible repatriation to Vietnam in present circumstances must be ruled out.

5 Refugees in Thailand

Admire the efforts of the United Nations and voluntary agencies and of the Thai Government in dealing with large-scale humanitarian problems in difficult circumstances. We make substantial and regular contributions bilaterally and through the EEC to the agencies concerned eg £200,000 to ICRC last month.

Yours sincerely,

Doved J. Hope

RESTRICTED

RP. CM J Segar

South East Asian Department