TNAG-1917-FCO40-2721-Interdiction-of-Vietnamese-refugees-at-sea-1989 — Page 88

DRAFT LOOSE MINUTE

D/DS5/5/4/1

PS/Minister (AF)

Copy to:

PS/US of S(AF)

PSO/CDS

Sec/CNS

Sec/VCNS

ACDS (C) ACNS (O

AUS (D Staff) AUS (NS)

TOW DACT

DN Plans

Head of DST1

Hend of 1815 (2)

Hend of NLC

CONFIDENTIAL

LOVE ACME – VIETNAMESE REFUGEE,

Earlier this year the

hong f.ch

Government (HMG) sought the views and advice of the Captain-in-

Charge (CAPIC) Hong Kong, on a draft operational order proposing

RN patrol craft

m.pl'imi

that

assist in

operations to tow out of territorial waters vessels which the

HK have refused the right of entering or staying in Hong Kong.

Whilst the order refers to a range of vessels the primary aim

Is to deal with incoming Vietnamese refugees.

2. In view of the important political implications of the RN

becoming involved in such actions. CAPIC has sought advice.

This submission

seeks Minister (AF)'s agreement that CAFIC should refuse RN

CONFIDENTI AL