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We need to look at this issue, and the others I have
mentioned above, together and in more detail. One option which we would clearly need to consider in view of our
commitments in the South Atlantic is the feasibility of
continuing to deploy ENDURANCE on the basis of annual
servicing, or whether we should consider now the cheapest possible replacement "off the shelf". In any case, even
if we were decide to withdraw ENDURANCE, we should need
to consider very carefully how to present this decision
in the Falkland Islands and to the Antarctic Lobby here.
It goes without saying that there can be no question of announcing the withdrawal of ENDURANCE until we have
worked out how to present this convincingly. I think that
in view of the wide ranging nature of these issues we
should now consult other colleagues.
14. I am copying this minute to the Prime Minister, the Chief Secretary and to Sir Robin Butler.
[DOUGLAS HURD]
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
VISAAW
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