VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE
Objectives
To set out clearly and sympathetically why there was
alternative to involuntary repatriation.
To remind Committee that this was their conclusion in June and we
have spent five months seeking other less unpalatable avenues.
To emphasise that force has not been used.
To draw attention to HMG's financial contribution to resolving
problem.
Essential Points
Committee concluded as early as June that mandatory repatriatoin
was only way.
June International Conference on Indo-Chinese Refugees agreed
those who were not refugees should return to Vietnam.
Tried everything else first. Pleased that voluntary programme sending a few back: but only 1% so far returned and out of the 4,000 screened out, only 27 have volunteered.
Essential to deter next sailing season.
No alternative but to tackle the problem head on.
Repatriation successful Procedures used in line with those
applied worldwide in removing persons refused permission to remain.
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No use of force.
Monitoring vital. Pending UNHCR agreement, Embassy will monitor. Mr Timothy Raison and Lord Ennals will visit in January.
BATACD
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