TNAG-2062-FCO40-2940-Vietnamese-boat-people-repatriation-1990 — Page 29

HKB 243 15

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

DESK

INDEX

22 FEB 1990

FICER

FROM:

J E Nolan

verde

South East Asian Department

DATE:

24 January 1990

HA

RECISTRY Action Taken

-4C: Mr Haswell, HKD

52

PS/Mr Maude

CALL ON MR MAUDE BY MR PETER FARQUHAR, 24 JANUARY

1. Mr Peter Farquhar called briefly on Mr Maude on 24 January to discuss his recent visit to Vietnam. Mr Farquhar commented that Vietnam was a misunderstood country whose government had worked hard to get Vietnam back on its feet in the face of international opposition.

Mr

2. Mr Farquhar was, in particular, concerned about the return of the boat people, quoting Bernard Levin's articles in The Times. Maude explained the reasons behind our decision to repatriate the first group of non-refugees in December. Mr Farquhar acknowledged that the first repatriation had focussed international attention on the need for a solution to the problem, but he found it difficult to believe that HMG really intended to repatriate all screened-out VBPS from Hong Kong. He suggested that those now in Hong Kong should be resettled in the West, but that any new arrivals should be sent straight back to Vietnam without screening. Mr Maude explained the dangers of such a policy and the principle of first asylum. Mr Farquhar then suggested a quick turnaround scheme. Mr Maude assured him that such ideas were indeed being considered and were currently

under discussion at SC3(2).

3. Mr Farquhar also asked about the Government's policy on aid to Vietnam. Mr Maude explained that this was under review.

4.

Mr Farquhar was clearly delighted that Mr Maude had been able to see him, and reassured by the Minister's reactions to his concerns. He appeared to be pursuaded by the arguments in favour of HMG'S

policy.

This he

JE Nolan

RC4ANI