TNAG-1537-FCO40-2101-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-resettlement-in-third-countri-1986 — Page 216

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

KY

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more realistic approach.

When asked whether we could expect anything better than Dadzie's paper, Nakahira said that Dadzie could play an important role, but he would not be able to do so if he pursued G77 interests. In response to our question, the Japanese said that they had no indication of China's attitudes.

OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT

6.

Nakahira said that those who contribute 70-80% of the funds objected to the lack of accountability in current arrangements. He suggested that if contributions were voluntary the major contributors could choose what they paid for. We agree that this was an attractive proposal. The mechanics would need careful consideration but it was an idea that should be pursued.

HUMAN RIGHTS

7

Nakahira indicated official hesitation at the idea that a Japanese woman, whom the US had informally approached, should be a candidate for the new post of Special Rapporteur on Religious Intolerance, in view of the widespread criticism which the post would be likely to attract. Nakahira made plain that there would be no shift on the Japanese attitude towards the Iran resolution at UNGA 41. On the Right to Development, Nakahira said that the Japanese still saw dangers in the Yugoslav text.

REFUGEES

*

8. Nakahira referred to the Japanese decision last year to increase the quota for Vietnamese refugees in Hong Kong, but said that the figures were not hopeful. The MFA were nevertheless maintaining pressure on the Ministry of Justice, which was the responsible government department.

UNESCO

9.

Nakahira expressed disappointment at our withdrawal from UNESCO. The Japanese nonetheless understood our reasons, and saw their aim as the achievement of sufficient reforms to allow the UK to rejoin. The Japanese wish to prevent M'Bow's reelection but knew of no good candidate to stand against him. Boutros Ghali was not enthusiastic; Trudeau was quite unwilling. The name of Habibie, Indonesian Minister of Science and Technology had come up in Bonn. But time was running short. M'Bow would be seeking African endorsement well before the October Executive Board. The Francophone Africans would support him and he was now trying to appease the Anglophones.

10.

Nakahira sympathised with our own worries about the Executive Board's recent performance. He explained that French reticence had prevented the FRG and Japan from giving M'Bow the Geneva Groups conclusions, but said that the Japanese would speak to him

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