CONFIDENTIAL
MR MAUDE'S MEETING WITH MR KOUCHNER, 31 MAY 1990
Background
1. M Kouchner has a strong personal interest in the VBP problem. Although French policy on this subject is a matter for the Quai d'Orsay, M Kouchner has made visits to Hong Kong and Vietnam in this connection and undoubtedly exercises a strong influence on the decision making process. While he admits to personal qualms, he reluctantly accepts the need, in the last resort, for involuntary
repatriation.
M Kouchner's public statements on VBP have sometimes been at variance with those of Quai d'Orsay spokesman.
2.
3. The French representative at the Manila meeting (Jean-François Bouffandeau) was generally helpful although he stated in terms that ethics/morality and money (ie CPA financing) did not coexist happily. He feels uncomfortable with the threat of abandoning first asylum which, he feels, is an absolute duty. M Kouchner is likely to adopt the same high moral tone.
PHLASZ
CONFIDENTIAL
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