TNAG-1909-FCO40-2713-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-voluntary-and-mandatory-repat-1989 — Page 98

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Mr Whitehead, News Department

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FROM: David Lidington

INDEX

13 December 1989

PS/Mr Maude

Mr McLaren

Mr Colvin, SEAD

Mr Paul, HKD

Mr Burns, News Dept

VIETNAMESE PEOPLE REPATRIATED FROM HONG KONG

1. Peter Lynch, Pictures Editor of The Times, has telephoned me to press the case to allow his stringer in Hanoi to take some photographs of the returnees. He argues that some photographs showing these people content and settled back in Vietnam would help the Government's position.

2.

I am frankly dubious about this. The camera might be an invitation to further demonstrations or protests. think?

What do you

Mr Lidington

1.

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David Lidington Special Adviser

Reports coming out of Hanoi (including the Ambassador on BBC Breakfast News this morning) suggest that the 51 returnees are being well treated ("far better than me" one Vietnamese official is quoted as saying). This points to the desirability for pictures. I would rely on the judgement of Mr Davies: if he thinks it would aid the cause and, just as important, the Vietnamese would permit it without fuss then we should go ahead.

2.

Perhaps Mr Guy could take this up with the Ambassador the next time he is speaking to him. I know that more journalists -

-

I am

particularly photographers are hoping to go to Hanoi in the next few days. They will be pressing for access to the returnees. sure Mr Davies will impress upon the Vietnamese the presentational advantages of showing the returnees looking well fed and cheerful.

14 December 1989

Ian whit chead

Ian Whitehead

News Dept