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pport resolutions in order not to oftend the Malaysians. That was the problem in the short term; the longer-term problem was the importance of maintaining the Treaty. Mr Yamada said that Japan was now making available to other countries the results of their scientific research. Mr O'Neill said this could have a useful effect in promoting better understanding. Mr Lever said that the UK had lobbied a number of countries and had the impression that not many were genuinely enthusiastic about the common heritage idea. At the same time, however, few were disposed to argue against it. Inertia could be harmful, and it would be important not to let the case go by default.
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4.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Mr O'Neill said that the UK welcomed Japan's efforts in International Youth Year, which was an important manifestation of human rights in practise. The Human Rights Commission had made some useful progress, particularly in including Iran and Afghanistan, and in deciding to have a special rapporteur on torture. As regards the right to development, the Yugoslav draft provided a generally acceptable basis for discussion.
5.
The UK remained concerned at the problems of refugees in Hong Kong and were grateful to the Japanese for their past help and any help they could provide in the future. It was important to look at long-term solutions. Mr Yamada said their views on human rights were very close to those of the UK. In voting on human rights resolutions, we differed only on Iran, where, because of Japan's role in the Iran/Iraq crisis, they wished to avoid souring their relationship with the Iranian government.
6.
The Japanese understood the problems caused by refugees in Hong Kong. They were currently considering, on the basis of an exploratory mission earlier in this year, how many more refugees they might take. They also hoped to send a further mission next year. Mr Suganuma, speaking on the right of development, said that consensus on the definition of such a right should be firmly formed before any resolution or declaration was adopted. Japan was looking for more thorough discussion, and thought the Yugoslave draft satisfactory for discussion although there were some difficult points in it. Mr O'Neill said that tactically it was important not to indicate support for the Yugoslav draft too early.
Country studies by the Human Rights Commission had a twofold importance: firstly, to find out the facts of particular abuses; and secondly to ensure the preservation of such human rights as did exist in countries.
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