From:
FILE. I
SECRET
M L HOWARD
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
-
Secretariat (Overseas) (Commitments)
353
Main Building Whitehall London SW1A 2HB
HKB 243 / 9
Telephone: (Direct Dialling) 01-218 6272
(Switchboard) 01-218 9000
M Stone Esq
Hong Kong Department
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Whitehall
London
SW1
Your reference
Our reference
D/Sec(0) (C)/6/7
Date
1 November 1989
Dear Michel,
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE: AIRCRAFT
MANDATORY REPATRIATION: USE OF RAF
1. We spoke earlier today about your request for information about the cost of using RAF aircraft to transport the first tranche of non-voluntary returnees to Vietnam. On the basis of a single VC10 flying UK-Hong Kong-Hanoi-Hong Kong-UK, the cost would be approximately £340,000, the majority of which arises from the need to position the aircraft in Hong Kong. As we discussed, the Air Force do not consider that leaving a VC10 in Hong Kong on a contingent basis for up to two weeks is operationally viable, given other calls on the Air Transport
Force.
2. We also have major reservations about taking this course of action from a presentational point of view. The Defence Secretary made it clear at the OD (K) meeting on 4 October that he would be very reluctant to sanction the use of military units in direct support of the repatriation operation, and it was agreed that any such proposal would need to be referred back to OD (K) for decision. Using RAF aircraft to transport returnees to Vietnam seems to fall squarely into this sort of category. In the circumstances I have felt it necessary to advise my Minister here that this is under consideration and have told him that these reservations have passed to you at official level. will of course let you know what his reaction is when I receive it.
ever
Your.
Martin
SECRET