TNAG-2071-FCO40-2949-Vietnamese-boat-people-1990 — Page 17

CONFIDENTIAL

CALL ON MRS CHALKER BY JIM LESTER, MP

VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE

BACKGROUND

On 12 December a group of 51 Vietnamese boat people were repatriated from Hong Kong to Hanoi. The Secretary of State made a statement in

the House on 12 December and wrote to all MPs. Copies of his statement and letter are attached.

2. The Americans proposed to Mr Gillmore in Washington on 21 December an arrangement which would lead to mandatory repatriation of non-refugees starting 1 January 1991. They handed over a non-paper saying they would be seeking a consensus on it at SC 3 (Resumed) in Geneva on 18/19 January. They have already lobbied the Thais who are reported to have reacted favourably and may well be lobbying other SC3 (2) participants.

3.

Recent US moves on Vietnamese boat people are the most promising we have seen for some time. Ther non-paper contains explicit recognition of the basic principle of mandatory repatriation. in their present form their proposals fall short of our

requirements.

negotiations.

However they appear to provide the basis for

But

4. We have submitted proposals to the Vietnamese for a programme of non-voluntary return flights, assistance with resettlement of returnees and a quick turn around scheme. The Vietnamese have not yet reacted substantively to our proposals. It is likely that they will defer any response until the outcome of the monitoring visit by Lord Ennals and Mr Raison (7-11 January) and may even await the outcome of SC3 (Resumed).

5.

•

At SC3 (Resumed) we will be seeking endorsement of our view that mandatory repatriation is a part of the Comprehensive Plan of Action (CPA) and agreement to a realistic timetable for its implementation;