7.
8.
[5]
because of the low nutritional level of population. CAFOD had had applications for funding for projects turned down by the
ODA and the The
EEC. Western aid to Vietnam was approximately $2,000,000 per annum. Vietnamese government was desperate for international support.
Roger Newton (Oxfam) said that he felt the FCO were totally closed off to the idea of aid to Vietnam. Oxfam had produced a booklet on the situation in Vietnam, which had been followed by an Early Day Motion which had been signed by at least 99 MP's, though nothing had yet come of it.
Martin Barber (BRC) said the situation had recently changed: democratic Kampuchea now controlled no territory in Kampuchea, the experience of Kampuchea under Pol Pot was now reaching the public (particularly through the film, "The Killing Fields"); The Chinese had proved unable or unwilling to administer a lesson across the northern border of Vietnam. He believed an initiative might be taken at a public level, through schools etcetera, to raise the question of aid.
The UN parliamentary group meeting on Kampuchea would be on 30 April (the 10th Anniversary of Vietnamese independence). It was agreed that the agencies involved should consider an initiative to bring the circumstances in Vietnam and Kampuchea to the public 's attention. John Montagu (Christian Aid) agreed to help convene the first meeting of such a group to consider possible action at Christian Aid.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
7.1 Situation of Iranians in Pakistan
Martin Barber (BRC) had written to UNHCR requesting information.
Simin Azimi (BRC) requested that this matter should be a major agenda item for the next meeting of the committee. This was agreed
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Asia committee will be at 11.00 am on 6th June 1985.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.