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2. IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, I DOUBT WHETHER MUCH PROGRESS CAN BE MADE IF SINGAPORE STILL REFUSES TO BUDGE (CF ROGERS' CONVERSATIONS ON 19 JANUARY) UNLESS SOME PLAIN SPEAKING IS EMPLOYED WHICH WOULD AIM TO BRING THE DISCUSSIONS BACK INTO THE CIVIL AVIATION ARENA. THIS COULD WELL RISK BEING CONSTRUED AS AN ATTEMPT TO BREAK ASEAN UNITY. FOR THIS REASON (AND PARTICULARLY SINCE THE MAIN CONSTRAINT IS NOW THE TIME FACTOR IMPOSED BY THE AUSTRALIANS) | AGREE WITH HENNINGS THAT IT WOULD BE BEST TO REMAIN ON THE SIDELINES FOR THE TIME BEING.
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