PS/Lord Privy Seal

to N Hayward

брова

Citral PA

127/6

RESTRICTED

HKK 243/1

1212

The are explains to is/Lis that "Hory hory would paying anywing

bit hr

be

in taking much for granka!

Ru

127

VIETNAMESE REFUGEES: ROACHBANK

1. You asked me to discover the rationale for the high charges we might expect the MOD/RAF to Levy if they were to provide space on their aircraft flying to and from Hong Kong. I mentioned in my minute of 22 June that they would charge about twice as much as commercial carriers. UNHCR is able to obtain a 50% reduction for adults (equal to approximately £250) and the normal reductions for children. The MOD would charge full fare for all. I am told that the reasons for this are:-

a.

b.

they must not compete with commercial airlines;

they must end up in a break-even situation. The MOD has no funds for financing other Departments' generosity.

However they did concede that where whole empty aircraft used for the troop movements to and from Hong Kong are concerned and Hong Kong would be paying anyway they could probably leave the setting of any charge between UNHCR and the Hong Kong Government.

26 June 1979

CC:

#

Mr Murray

Mr Simons, SEAD

Mr McLaren, HK&GD

RESTRICTED

CC Hayward

FAR EASTERN DEPARTMENT (K251)

233 5528

Share This Page