Haut Commissariat pour les Réfugiés
High Commissioner for Refugees
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Until such repatriation becomes a realistic alternative it remains crucial that the resettlement momentum for Indo-Chinese who should properly go to third countries be maintained. While I fully appreciate the domestic restraints all governments face in this context, the relaxation of admission criteria, for instance for "non link cases" (category 6), would provide solutions for some refugees who at present have no possibilities. I would also hope that authorised ceilings for the intake of refugees by the United States might in future be able to be more fully utilised. Full use of the Refugee Processing Centres for the prescribed periods would also assist in increased offtake of refugees from the region.
The only other solution to refugee problems that of regional self-sufficiency similarly requires the support and agreement of all governments concerned before it can be considered to be a realistic alternative. I know that the United States Government has already taken some steps in this connection which I hope we might be able jointly, but cautiously, to pursue.
I trust that you will consider this frank sharing of ideas in the positive spirit in which it is undertaken, solely in an attempt to make progress in what threathens to become a static situation with all the attendant dangers for the persons concerned.
Januust regards
parau
Poul Hartling
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