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displaced by this mission. The precise amount will depend on the circumstances, but it could easily double the overall cost to you.
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3. Clearly therefore, in practical terms, the use of RAF transport is feasible - if expensive but the main issue is whether such an operation is politically acceptable. The first hurdle could be the Vietnamese, whose already bruised sensitivities about the use of force are likely to be further strained by the prospect of their citizens being sent back on a military aircraft. I should have thought that it is entirely possible that they would refuse to accept it. Secondly domestic and international reaction to the use of a military aircraft is likely to be very negative and could cause major parliamentary and presentational difficulties for the government. In the circumstances, our view is that the use of RAF aircraft should only be considered as a last resort after all other commercial options - Hong Kong and UK based - have been discounted. As we said before, any proposal to do so would have to be referred back to OD (K) for collective Ministerial decision. Given the essentially symbolic nature of these operations, Ministers will need in such circumstances to consider whether the potentially very severe political problems that could arise from the use of military aircraft can be justified by the value, in terms of demonstrating resolve, of repatriating less than 100 boat people.
4. Finally, because of the sensitivity of this issue, I have advised my Minister that the possibility of using RAF aircraft has been raised again. If any further points emerge at that level, I shall let you know.
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