TNAG-1908-FCO40-2712-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-voluntary-and-mandatory-repat-1989 — Page 118

CONFIDENTIAL

1. USE OF RAF AIRCRAFT OR AIRCREW

Cathay have agreed (confirmed by Sir Adrian Swire to Mr McLaren)

to provide Tristar at approx one week's notice. Cost would be

around HK$500,000

•

(240,000)

RAF AIRCRAFT (VC10)

RAF would need to provide aircraft for flight UK/HK/Hanoi/HK/UK approx 40 hours.

Cost to Hong Kong Government (Full cost charge) £339,885

Would need to establish whether this could fall under Defence

Costs Agreement.

-

Cost to HMG (No loss cost charge) £112,320

+ cost of aircrew accommodation in Hong Kong

-

Cost would be much less if VC10 already standing by in Hong Kong, but would reduce flexibility on timing.

MOD Ministers reluctant to agree to use of RAF aircraft unless sanctioned by OD (K).

RAF AIRCREW (FOR CATHAY TRISTAR)

-

MOD concerned about presentational problems.

If Cathay crew refused to fly due to risk of airborne riot, RAF

aircrew might have similar difficulty.

RAF crew would need appropriate clearances to fly Cathay type of Tristar. Would require 1-2 weeks on ground school conversion course +1 hour conversion flight on Cathay Tristar (after simulator training).

Insurance: HMG (FCO) would probably have to accept full liability

PTAAOH(2)

CONFIDENTIAL