CONFIDENTIAL
then Prime Minister [in 1989] It is, I believe, a commitment for the
Government as a whole properly undertaken by the Ministry of Defence. I do not believe that there is any dispute at present about whether POLAR CIRCLE offers the best prospect of fulfilling this commitment in the longer term. I hope that funds can now be made available to enable HMG to make a firm commitment to purchase POLAR CIRCLE subject to the necessary survey being made to confirm her suitability.
8. I am copying this letter to the Prime Minister, the Environment, Education Secretaries and to Sir Robin Butler.
Douglas Hurd
PH3ABF/3
CONFIDENTIAL