TNAG-1800-FCO40-2560-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-principle-of-first-asylum-1988 — Page 242

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delegates hoped to see it extended to include more distant relatives, while others thought the absence of documentary evidence should not in itself be an impediment to proving a relationship. Some delegates thought many practical questions remained to be answered on the rescue of asylum-seekers at sea. The Sub-Committee invited the High Commissioner to convene a Working Group to report to the next session of the Executive Committee.

33. Under Any Other Business, the Nigerians tabled a resolution condemning military attacks on refugee camps in Angola and asking for a study by a group of experts (UKMIS Geneva telegram numbers 335 and 336 of 13 October 1981). In informal consultations a much softer text was substituted, expressing concern at attacks on "refugee camps in Southern Africa and elsewhere" and calling upon the High Commissioner to examine the problem (Adams' tele- letter to Godfrey, UND of 23 October 1981).

Meeting of the Sub-Committee on Administrative and Financial Matters, 8-9 October 1981

34. The Sub-Committee was chaired by the outgoing Vice-Chairman, Ambassador Marshall (United Kingdom). The principal items discussed were the flow of information, and the High Commissioner's proposals to strengthen his Office. On the former there was general agreement that the quality and quantity of information had improved though, it was still not sufficiently transparent. The Sub- Committee recommended to the Executive Committee that it should be instructed to draw up at an early meeting the criteria for this flow of information.

The

35. On strengthening, there were three lines of thought. Nordics plus a few others advocated an unconditional green light. Others, advised a go-ahead on certain conditions. The rest (notably Sudan and Turkey) thought there should first be an outside review. Many delegates referred to the ACABQ requests and had other questions of their own. to ask. It was not possible for the Sub-Committee to make any agreed recommendation on the point. The matter was thus referred to the Executive Committee for further information. The High Commissioner was asked meanwhile to produce answers to the questions raised.

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