§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What information they have about some 40,000 refugees from Burma said to have fled into the Chittagong area of Bangladesh; and whether they will use their best endeavours to prevent such people being returned to Burma, whether from Bangladesh or Thailand.
§ Lord Cavendish of FurnessWe are aware that large numbers of Burmese nationals have crossed into Bangladesh. The Burmese and Bangladeshi Foreign Ministers met in late November to discuss the situation. We understand that no refugees have yet returned. The Dutch, as the EC Presidency, have discussed the matter with the Bangladeshi authorities. We are monitoring the situation closely through our Embassy in Rangoon and our High Commission in Dhaka.
We have taken steps in the past to impress upon Thailand our concern that Burmese nationals who might face persecution in Burma should not be forced to return. We will continue to do so whenever it is appropriate.