TNAG-1907-FCO40-2711-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-voluntary-and-mandatory-repat-1989 — Page 165

Mr Burns, News Dept

HKB 24319

Vietnamese Boat People

The Secretary of State has seen a copy of your minute to the PUS of 6 October. The Secretary of State does not believe that it will be possible to handle repatriations in low key. He thinks we should repeat the kind of briefing he gave to the Wall Street Journal wherever we can. The timing of the briefings wil have to be judged in the light of the strategy note the Secretary of State has asked for about briefing for SC3 and the action timetable following OD(K). But the Secretary of State thinks that briefing may need to take place while he is at CHOGM. He would be grateful if you could discuss a detailed strategy with Mr Maude, including briefing of specified journalists and leader writers.

9 October 1989

CC:

PS/Mr Maude

PS/Lord Brabazon PS/PUS

Head SEAD

Head HKD

Mr Gillmore

Mr McLaren

(J S Wall)

Rylla

Miss Melroden

Mielio

Mr Mogfis

Mr Stme plio Mr Hassen 134/10

Wisho

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