24-MAY-1993
12:08
BHC CANBERRA
ASIA-PACIFIC
Cambodia
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270 6653
P.02
12.
DFAT team made the following points:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
13.
British comments on their recent paper much welcomed: similarity of views.
Deployment of additional helicopters plus crew and supporting service personnel had been agreed to fill gaps and send clear signal that Australia intended to see the exercise through.
Concerned about longer term US attitudes: but US would probably not pressure Australians into retaining troops in post-election period.
Would aim to promote ASEAN role in training Cambodian army
Sir J Coles said that HBMG was concerned over financial implications of a longer term force. US had not argued for sustained military presence and had indicated that they were uncomfortable about a continuing role for UNTAC. Both sides agreed to alert the other to signs of US wavering.
Vietnam
14.
DFAT team said:
(a) US unlikely to support easing of IMF restrictions in current
round of negotiations. But Australia hoped for early international agreement to support Vietnam.
(b)
China
15.
(a)
Vietnamese Prime Minister would make 3-day visit to Australia in late May.
DFAT team said:
Mr Keating would make first Prime Ministerial visit to China since 1986 on 23-30 June (Hong Kong 30 June-1 July; South Korea 21-23 June).
(b) Senator Evans's April 1991 visit had led to "normalisation" of
relations, without renewing military links.
(c)
(a)
Australian would maintain a robust position on human rights, but without conditionality.
Were concerned about Chinese succession: military probably fill the vacuum after Deng Xiaoping.
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