TNAG-1906-FCO40-2710-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-voluntary-and-mandatory-repat-1989 — Page 169

CONFIDENTIAL

PS/Mr Maude

[VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE: REPATRIATION]

FROM: D H Gillmore W37 270 2156

CC:

3 August 1989

PS/Mrs Chalker

PS/Lord Brabazon

Mr Colvin (Paris by fax)

Mr Thomas, SEAD

Mr Brenton, UND

Mr Grant, News Dept

Mr Crabbie, RMD Mr Fraser

1. A draft of this submission was prepared in advance of Mr Maude's meeting this morning to discuss the Boat People problem. It has now been amended in the light of the Minister of State's comments. In my view, the recommendations are now on sensible lines. I do not believe that, however strong feelings are in Hong Kong about the Boat People, it makes any sense for us to bring down on our heads the criticism which is bound to ensue in order to tackle a first batch which may end up in single figures if we press ahead before the end of the month. Far better, I believe, to take things in slower time so that:

a.

b.

C.

we can consider further the whole issue of monitoring Boat People after their return to Viet Nam;

the Secretary of State can alert his Cabinet colleagues once the holiday period is over; and

I make another attempt to persuade the Americans not to make strong public objection to our proposals for repatriation. (I am proposing to go to Washington on the afternoon of 14 August, returning overnight on 15/16 August. This will give me a full day in Washington to talk to the most senior officials concerned in following up my conversations in Paris - See Flag C.)

2. As agreed, I am minuting on the copy of this submission to the Private Secretary. He has agreed to send this on in the next box to the Secretary of State, who will thus have time to consider it over the weekend before receiving Mr Maude's comments.

Пивтии

D H Gillmore

CONFIDENTIAL