TNAG-1424-FCO40-1907-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-general-1985 — Page 124

Due to its concern and the fact that Papua New Guinea was diverting resources from the activities and services whic} the Government normally provides for Papua New Guineans to cater for these border crossers, the Government sought and conducted a series of negotiations, both at the official and Ministerial levels, with Indonesia in 1984 about the return of the border crossers, amongst a number related issues. In these negotiations Papua New Guinea insisted (as in the past) on the safety of those anxious to return freely to Irian Jaya. The Indonesian Government guaranteed the safety and welfare of the people who returned.

As well, Papua New Guinea ensured that others desiring to return to Irian Jaya would do so of their own free will while those with genuine and well-founded fears of being persecuted (on their return) for political reasons would be accorded sympathetic consideration to remain in Papua New Guinea (as has been the case in the past). For Papua. New Guinea, it is mindful of both political and economic costs if it is to be even seen as encouraging more people to cross into its territory. Papua New Guinea will not tolerate border crossers who engage in activities detrimental to its national interests and security. People who cross into our territory are, initially, welcomed by our own people and then resented because of the resources which the

Government has had to divert in order that border crossers are adequately catered for.

Papua New Guinea has in previous years involved the UNHCR in the resettlement in third-countries of a number of people from Irian Jaya. During negotiations last year with Indonesia, Papua New Guinea insisted that the UNHCR be involved to the extent of monitoring the movement and ensuring the safety and welfare of the border crossers. However, Indonesia agreed instead to allow Papua New Guinea diplomatic personnel to carry out such an exercise.

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Finally let me say that in order to allay undue misunderstanding, Papua New Guinea has kept public statements to a minimum on the movement of the people to Irian Jaya for reasons of security for the safety ot its own nationals involved in the exercise, Indonesian officials and the people returning to Irian Jaya. has been extremely conscious to prevent likely disruptions to the repatriation programme by groups of persons acting against its national interests.

Yours sincerely,

If Jama

ILINOME F TARUA, OBE High Commissioner

Papua New Guinea

IFT/ac