TNAG-2061-FCO40-2939-Vietnamese-boat-people-conditions-in-the-refugee-camps-in-Ho-1990 — Page 12

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The Police and CSD officers carried out their duties with the minimum degree of force. There was a real threat to their safety, as there was to the safety of the camp population in general from the violent minority, and I believe that these officers behaved with great discipline and restraint in very difficult

circumstances.

UNHCR officers were informed of the nature of the operation at the first opportunity once the operation began. They were given full and unestiiuled auucss during the search. In most instances we aim to provide UNHCR with prior notification of searches and this will continue to be the general practice. However, in this particular case it was decided that prior notification would not have facilitated a safe and successful search.

Pepper fog (a mild form of tear gas) was used during the operation in overcoming violent resistance from people who had barricaded themselves inside the dormitory blocks. C.S. gas was also used but I do not consider the use of either to have been excessive. Nor can I accept your assertion that large numbers of people were left in the open in poor weather and without adequate toilet facilities for the full duration of the search.

As the police completed the search of each dormitory the residents were permitted to return. The search was a long and complex operation which was not completed until mid-afternoon. However, none of the VBP were left in the open for

the duration of the whole operation as

Mr Bo Schack's statement claims.

Any claim of ill treatment during the search will be thoroughly investigated by the Complaints Against the Police Office. I have not yet received any such claims although I understand that statements have been made to your field officers. I urge you to pass on these complaints either directly to CAPO, or through me, as quickly as possible.