- May 4, 2021
- 2,998
To: <Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Commonwealth of New Zealand> Basedcnt From: <Sarabun@mfa.mail.go.th> Subject: Enquiry on the New Zealand Government Capacity to Support Large Scale Humanitarian Mission Security Type: NSST 1.0 Architecture |
Foreign Minister,
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Thailand extends its cordial greeting to to Department of Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of Australia. We are communicating on the dire situation surrounding New Caledonia that requires the New Zealand Government’s immediate action to alleviate the grave humanitarian disaster in the capital of New Caledonia, Nouméa.
As previously communicated, our esteemed ally, the Kingdom of Poland, has effectively neutralized the immediate threats posed by the Kanak Independence Movement (KIM) to the territorial integrity of the French Empire, a treaty ally of Thailand. Consequently, the Humanitarian Aid Forces to New Caledonia (HAFNC) have withdrawn from the region, resulting in a significant void in essential aid distribution to the local population. Our intelligence indicates that approximately half of Nouméa’s infrastructure has collapsed.
In response, the Republic Navy Auxiliary Fleet is deploying 15 Landing Platform Docks and 6 Replenishment Tankers to New Caledonia to facilitate the evacuation of refugees from Nouméa, currently estimated at 42,500 individuals. In light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis, Thailand is seeking the Government of Australia’s authorization to allow our naval forces access to Australian territorial waters. This request is to facilitate the safe transfer of 8,500 refugees in five separate operations, after which they will be flown back to Thailand for further assistance via our extensive domestic airlines network.
However, considering the current economic challenges faced by Australia and the severe impact on its citizens, Thailand recognizes the limitations in solely relying on Australian resources for the welfare of the New Caledonian refugees. Therefore, we are reaching out to the Government of New Zealand to inquire about potential support for this humanitarian initiative. We would be grateful for any assistance that New Zealand could provide to ensure the safety and well-being of these refugees, with the intention of transporting them directly to Bangkok if feasible.
We sincerely hope that New Zealand, as a prominent member of the international community, will join us in this critical mission to uphold the principles of human rights and humanitarianism. The New Caledonian people, like all individuals, deserve our collective protection and support.
Best Regard,
Sudarat Boonthep
Chargée d'Affaires
Republic Embassy in Canberra
Republic of Thailand
Digital Diplomatic Communication