TNAG-1542-FCO40-2106-United-Nations-High-Commissioner-for-Refugees-(UNHCR)-Execut-1986 — Page 247

Our Ref: 243/1

D Ludlow Esq

Ludlow

MED FCO

CONFIDENTIAL

(PH) ppsps & peran ретин Spoke com whom Quint-reques

CC. this Wyeth, ODA

*29/4

3/4.

14

BRITISH INTERESTS SECTION

TEHRAN

2.1 August 1986 received 1/a,

Matayan

NBP 24312

37th EXCOM IN GENEVA

1. Thank you for your letter of 30 July asking for our observations on the paper about the situation on Afghan refugees in Iran which you enclosed therewith.

2. Unfortunately, this subject is something of a blind spot. To date, we have only been able to establish contact with the Tehran office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. I enclose a copy of my minute recording the only substantive formal conversation we have had with its Head, Mr Rasanayagam. Following the meeting, I asked the MFA to arrange for me to call on the Central Council for Afghan refugees. But three months later, they have still not done so; and I very much doubt that they ever will.

3. Our first hand experience is equally limited. None of the Mission's present staff has ever visited any of the refugee camps though both Edward Chaplin and I hope to do so later this year (if we do, we shall, of course, report our findings).

4. I appreciate that the enclosed minute is not in the form requested by the ODA. I hope that they will forgive me. But I leave tomorrow on a bag run and am therefore trying to clear all my outstanding work.

......

CONFIDENTIAL IAL

W G Clare