TNAG-2062-FCO40-2940-Vietnamese-boat-people-repatriation-1990 — Page 32

CONFIDENTIAL

FROM:

PS/Mr Maude

HKB 24315.

DATE:

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

2 1FEB 1990

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

REGISTRY

RA

Action Taken

Mr Colvin, SEAD

VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE

la

CC:

22 January 1990

PS

PS/Lord Brabazon Mr Gillmore

Mr McLaren

Mr Paul, HKD

Mr Haswell, HKD

Mr Faint, ODA

Mr Whitehead, News Dept Mr Stone

HKD

Mr Lidington

Mr Fraser

1.

Mr Maude's meeting this morning discussed the latest US position and our objectives for SC3(2). He agreed that we might be able to live with a 1 July deadline for mandatory repatriation provided that it was absolutely watertight (though we should try the Americans again for an earlier date: the June anniversary of the ICIR) and that some form of automatic quick turn-round scheme was also internationally agreed. Mr Gillmore should ask Eagleburger if he had any ideas for a feasible alternative: we should put the ball back in the American court. An objective test which would automatically trigger such a scheme would be essential: Mr Maude suggested that it should be any net inflow.

2.

On the question of the UK's financial contribution (to the UNHCR and for the Philippines centre), Mr Maude decided that the draft minute to the Chief Secretary should be slightly recast to set out the possibilities; it should explain that at this stage we could not spell out exactly to which purposes funds could best be directed. He agreed that it would help our case at the steering committee if we could pledge an extra £8 million. The minute to the Chief Secretary should if possible issue from the Secretary of State today, and that, in his absence tomorrow, Mr Maude should speak to Mr Lamont.

3. The question of aid (particularly funding for NGO projects and support in the IFIS) would have to be considered in the light of the outcome of the Steering Committee meeting this week.

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