TNAG-2029-FCO40-2891-Hong-Kong-freezing-of-Kuwaiti-and-Iraqi-assets-1990 — Page 111

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HOSTAGES IN KUWAIT AND IRAQ: ACTION TAKEN TO SECURE THEIR RELEASE

The holding of British and other foreign nationals by Iraq is a moral and humanitarian outrage. It is also a gross violation of

international law. Consular staff have been denied all access to

the hostages. While Ministers have made plain that the plight of the hostages cannot be allowed to dictate our response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, vigorous and unremitting efforts have been made

to secure the release of the hostages. We have taken action at

every opportunity directly with Iraq. We have also acted in cooperation with other governments many of whom have nationals of their own trapped in Iraq. And we have acted with families, private

individuals and humanitarian organisations, and at the UN.

Many of our initiatives have remained confidential at the request of those

involved and to increase the possibility of a positive outcome.

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Channels used include:

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repeated protests by our Ambassador in Baghdad to the Iraqi

authorities, and by Ministers and officials in London to the

Iraqi Ambassador.

Through high level contacts with Arab governments, especially

those which might have a particular influence in Baghdad.

In conjunction with other governments whose nationals have

also been detained.

To international leaders and Statesmen.

To governments in advance of visits to Baghdad by their representatives.

At the United Nations.