CONFIDENTIAL
CALL ON MR LUCE BY AMBASSADOR EUGENE DOUGLAS,
US COORDINATOR FOR REFUGEE AFFAIRS:
27 FEBRUARY 1985
Indo-Chinese Refugee Matters
ESSENTIAL FACTS
Thai-Cambodian Border
1. We understand that Ambassador Douglas is particularly concerned at implications arising out of recent influx of over
200,000 Cambodians into Thailand. We are also studying this question closely particularly the repercussions it may have for Thai security if the resistance groups attempt to operate from Thai
territory.
2. Thai reactions to the refugee influx will be important. A lot will depend on where the Thais intend to house them. We have noted that some of them are presently located close to Khao-i-Dang, where the inmates are eligible for resettlement. The dilemma is a difficult one. While there would be clear humanitarian objection to the Thais pushing the Cambodians back over the border, we would not wish to see the extra 200,000 plus added to the caseload of
those eligible for resettlement.
"Honolulu" Meetings
3. We indicated last summer to Ambassador Douglas, during his visit
to London when he called on Mr Raison to discuss African refugee
matters, that we would be happy to attend any future meeting following on the 1983 Honolulu meeting of resettlement countries. Last autumn we accepted a Japanese invitation to a meeting which was to have been attended by major resettlement countries, ASEAN countries, UNHCR and possibly China. This was subsequently cancelled. If Ambassador Douglas, as seems quite probable raises the possibility of a future meeting, we should indicate that it should focus not only on resettlement but on the other durable
CONFIDENTIAL
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