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3.
Prior to Moore's public announcement of the new policy, I understand that the US Embassy presented their package of new ideas to the ASEAN Seminar Officials Meeting (SOM) who met here earlier this month. Accounts vary, from the different sections of the US Embassy I have spoken to, on the SOM's reaction. What seems probably to have happened is that the SOM reacted cautiously but that on closer inspection the Thais, at least, have warmed to the US proposals. There is, however, perhaps a feeling that the US has reacted too slowly to the dramatic changes in attitude which have occured throughout First Asylum countries over the to nine months. No doubt things will become clearer next two or three weeks in the run-up to the ASEAN
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Foreign Ministers Meeting on 4 and 5 July.
4.
He gave
our
What is evident is that the whole question of Indochinese refugees is in a state of flux, especially as far as the Thais are concerned. I attended a meeting called by UNHCR here on 9 June. The UNHCR Representative, Pierre Jambor, described the Indochinese refugee situation as moving rapidly. us an overview of the Cha-am meeting which added little to briefing from the Australians and Thais. Jambor expressed concern that the principle of First Asylum, the cornerstone of UNHCR policy worldwide, was under threat in Southeast Asia. He urged support at this crucial time from resettlement and donor countries.
5.
More generally, Jambor registered concern at continued incidents of 'push-offs' of Vietnamese boat people by Thai officials, and referred to the transfer of those Vietnamese who had managed to land in Thailand, to Site 2. There are now over 3,000 in the Site 2 encampment for Vietnamese boat people. Jambor also referred to what appears to be renewed pressure by Royal Thai Government (RTG) officials to close Khao I Dang refugee camp and move these refugees to the camps for the displaced Khmer persons along the border. a move would be strongly resisted by UNHCR.
Again, such
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