TNAG-1274-FCO40-1624-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 298

82

Mr Chift, Hong Kong Department

VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG

1.

M. Migu M. Hogle

This makes things more difficult. P. ansider.

8/6

Thank you for copying to me your minute of 31 May. I agree that we should concentrate initially on trying to find the solution through UNHCR but I think we must avoid any mention to them of

'involuntary repatriation'. It is fundamental to UNHCR philosophy that this solution is always ruled out. There should, however, be no problem of principle for them in seeking guarantees or inducements from the state of origin which might encourage the refugees to decide to return. You may like to have the attached copies of extracts from UNHCR's report to ECOSOC and from the UNHCR Executive Committee's conclusions on the subject in 1980 which remain valid. I think UNHCR might well be willing to approach the Vietnamese on these lines though it is not easy to be optimistic about the Vietnamese response or about the effect of any gesture they might be willing to make on the minds of the refugees. But if we make it clear to UNHCR that we are seeking Vietnamese guarantees which will permit us to repatriate refugees against their own judgement I think they will refuse to help and I fear that our general standing with them could be impaired.

2.

As I mentioned to you, I would see some advantage in using the visit of the Australian Foreign Minister, if the timing permits, to prepare the ground for a subsequent approach by UNHCR. I believe we have reservations about Australian policy towards Vietnam, but it may give the Australians a small measure of influence which few other countries have. HKD have a copy of a recent Australian policy paper which says that Australia will be

'placing greater emphasis on achieving political solutions' and 'bending its efforts toward assisting with negotiations and mediation'.

7 June 1983

CC

лична

مسم

NCR Williams

United Nations Dept

K 141

Mr Burges Watson, SEAD Mr Chick, SPD

HKK 243/1

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

1 0 JUN 1983

DESK OFFICER

REGISTRY

INDEX

PA

Action Takeni

233 4330