TNAG-2066-FCO40-2944-Vietnamese-boat-people-and-China-1990 — Page 148

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British Embassy

11 Guang Hua Lu Jian Guo Men Wai Peking People's Republic of China

Telex 22191 Cable Prodrome Peking Telephone 521961/2/3/4/5

PS/Mr. Maude Mi Colvin

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RAJ Bunten Esq

APA (G)

HONG KONG

Dear Rod

Your reference

Our reference

020/393/6B

Date

7 May 1990

HKB 243/13

¿CEIVED IN REGISTRY

17 MAY 1990

TZA

VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE

1.

Recently several of the British journalists resident in Peking have visited Guangxi. Among them was Louise Branson, correspondent for the Sunday Times. During her visit she took a particular interest in VBP and land-crossers. I understand that she intends to write an article on this subject for the Sunday Times.

2. Louise told me that of all the subjects she tried to raise with the local officials, this was clearly the most sensitive. None of those she met were willing to discuss it, however frank they were on other subjects. She also told me that in Beihai there are now boatyards specifically devoted to building boats to sell to VBP to allow them to travel on to Hong Kong.

3.

I am planning to visit Guangxi myself in June, and intend to include VBP and land-crossers in the subjects that I will tackle. I should be grateful for any advice you could offer on the basis of your own trip on contacts etc.

Yours Ever

CC:

HKD, FCO

SC Riordan

Second Secretary (Chancery)

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