TNAG-1795-FCO40-2555-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-repatriation--including-Opera-1988 — Page 253

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Mr Daltrop, Legal Advisers

Reference

My Paul S...

Miss Statir (562

FPA

I am sure we can

find alternating works it necessary.

VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE: DEMARCHE BY THE EC TWELVE

N

2577

1

We spoke about this briefly this afternoon. As you know, I am slightly concerned at the use of the phrase "illegal departures" in the attached draft demarche that we have circulated to the Twelve. It appears to have been adopted as useful shorthand in communications within the office and between our posts. seems to me, however, that the expression in this context runs counter to our support for the concept, expressed in various international instruments including the Universal Declaration

of Human Rights, of an individual's freedom to leave (and return to) his own country. If so, the Russians (and others) would no doubt play it back to us on other occasions.

2

That said, I am new (both to the department and the subject) and would welcome the views of the experts. We are due to hold bilateral talks on this topic in Hanoi from 3-5 August and hope that the Twelve can make their demarche before the talks begin. Grateful therefore for your early comments.

HKD 243/8

RECEIVE

PRISTRY

26 JUL 1988

Астраба

TRY

ken

omis

A Godson

SEAD

270-2450

25 July 1988

copies:

(with refs)

Mr Millett UND

Mr Dorey, C8CE Unit Mr Footman, HKD

Footman,

Mr Foggman 2617

Yes.

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