TNAG-1542-FCO40-2106-United-Nations-High-Commissioner-for-Refugees-(UNHCR)-Execut-1986 — Page 32

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of the International Protection Sub-Commission. They

argue that the US line was not sufficient argument for

suspending the issue, particularly in a year when the

South African government had flouted international law

(19 May 1986 raid on the Makeni refugee camp near

Lusaka). They cannot understand why the US did not

make their position clear 5 years ago rather than

leaving it until now to do so, when South African

attacks on refugee attacks are prevalent.

9. Mr Vieira de Mello of UNHCR asked whether the UK

would be prepared to persuade the US to take a less

uncompromising line. We do not consider that we should

be likely to achieve this and therefore, as we have

only peripheral interest in the issue, see no merit in

taking such action.

10.

Reference C gives the political/military

background.

REFERENCES

A

B

C

1

Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949

Statute of the Office of UNHCR

A/AC.96/680: Note on International

Protection (paragraphs 34-46)

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