TNAG-0882-FCO40-1092-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 154

CONFIDENTIAL

14419

JR Miles Esq

DS8, Ministry of Defence:

Main Building

Whitehall

LONDON SW 1

Hkk 243/1

233 439

R. 51

/DS8/39/8

23 FEB 1979

INDEX

February 1979

No

23.2.

418

ASSISTANCE TO HONG KONG GOVERN ENT

AIR RECONNAISSANCE

Thank you for your letter of 22 February reference D/DS8/39/8.

2. I now confirm what I told you on the telephone this morning, namely that I have heard from the Hong Kong Government that they accept your offer of an RAF Canberra at a cost of £800 per flying hour and would like to have the aircraft for a period of "up to 30 days". We should therefore be grateful if you would now arrange for the aircraft to proceed to Hong Kong.

3. I also confirm that we will leave further detailed arrangements to you but would be grateful if you would keep us informed of any major developments.

The point made in your final paragraph will be put to the Hong Kong Government.

4.

P J Williamson

Hong Kong and General Department

CONFIDENTIAL