TNAG-1795-FCO40-2555-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-repatriation--including-Opera-1988 — Page 161

A

ROBAMO

03 AUG 1988

FROM:

A R Paul

PA (607)

&

واسه کاری

DATE:

Hong Kong Department

3 August 1988

PS/Lord Glénarthur

asfare

M Pauls

HKD

Thank

We

you.

spoke.

Jobert Cowt

нко 24318

RECEIVER REGISTRY

INDER

5 AUG 1988

SK OFFICEE

(PS/ word Gaither)

4/8

SIR PHILIP GOODHART: VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE

A

1. I was quite content with the stylistic and

presentational amendments that you made to the draft reply I

submitted on 2 August.

2.

But one amendment you made affected the substance of the

letter. I have marked this on the draft (attached). As amended,

the letter implies that we are following up a UNHCR initiative to

hold bilateral talks with the Vietnamese. This is of course not the

case. We have in fact taken the lead in responding positively to

the Vietnamese invitation to hold bilateral talks.

Indeed this

change of position by Vietnam could arguably be at least partly the

result of action taken by the Secretary of State with Co Thach on 7

June.

3. I do not think this matters too much. But I thought I ought to

register the point.

N518 Mr. Faytman

Ps/Lord G was Suitably contrite!

W%

ARP

A R Paul