the basis that it is carried out in a humanitarian way. The British and Hong Kong Governments will be prepared to contribute. We see no need for direct bilateral assistance in
addition.
Return of First Group of Volunteers
The immediate practical result of the London talks in Octobeź was the agreement that the phased return of volunteers should start before the end of the year. Target must, if possible, be met. Glad to note that the Vietnamese delegate at the UNHCR Working Group meeting in Kuala Lumpur last week said that "the phased return of volunteers would encourage others to follow suit". This is our view as well. Phased returns should act as a deterrent to clandestine departures. There have been recent worrying reports from Hong Kong that some boat people have decided not to proceed with their requests to return to Vietnam and that others may also have second thoughts. This is the inevitable consequence of uncertainty about the future and we must resolve it quickly in the
interests of all concerned.
Visit to Hong Kong
We have agreed in principle to a visit to Hong Kong by Vietnamese technical experts. Purpose would be to settle the final documentation and travel arrangements immediately prior to departure. Again this shows our goodwill and determination to overcome all obstacles in the way of practical implementation of the policy that we have agreed between us.
Repatriation
Hard to understand Vietnamese difficulties with the principle that the ultimate responsibility for persons who do not qualify as refugees is their country of origin. This must be the correct, indeed only, position.
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TM
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