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is relevant to note that in deciding to release Leila Khaled in 1970 one of the considerations which guided Ministers was the fact that all the hostages were foreigners. We would also be concerned for the safety of the crew. But Ministers (or if there is no time to consult them, Governors) can only take decisions in the light of circumstances in each case.
5. Experience of hijacking shows that there is usually time to set up direct communication links with London, and with the country of registration of the aircraft. An emerging trend is for representatives of the latter to fly to the scene of the hijacking to take part in the negotiations. The first tactic of Governors should be to embark on negotiations to identify the hijackers' demands, and then to play the situation as long as possible.
5. I should be grateful if in due course you will let me have a copy of your own contingency plans or Standing Instructions on hijacking. If you have any suggestions, or if there is any way in which we here can provide further assistance by guidance please let me know.
7.
This letter goes to all Governors of Dependent Territories and to the British Resident New Hebrides. In Bermuda, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Ascension Island, however, the airfields are under United States operational control; in the Falkland Islands the airfield is under Argentinian flight control;
and.
St Helena, Tristan da Cunha and Pitcairn have no airfields. This Circular Letter is therefore being sent to those Governors concerned for information only.
JS CHAMPION
Gibraltar & General Department
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