TNAG-1908-FCO40-2712-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-voluntary-and-mandatory-repat-1989 — Page 189

CODE 18-77

PTAANR

Martin Howard Esq

SEC(0)(C)

Rm 5314

MOD

Main Building

CONFIDENTIAL

Reference....

FILE.

(383)

НКВ

24319

REPATRIATION OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE

1. As I mentioned on the telephone, Mr Maude discussed this issue with Mr Alan Clarke on 3 November. Mr Clarke agreed that the quoted cost of using an RAF VC10 for the first repatriation exercise, at £350,000, seemed expensive. You told me that this would be the inclusive cost if the Hong Kong Government were footing the bill; the cost to the FCO would be closer to £110,000. I should be grateful if you could confirm these figures.

2. Mr Maude has also asked whether it might be possible to have an RAF crew on standby at Kai Tak, ready to fly a Cathay Pacific Tristar if the Cathay crew refuse to take the first group of non-volunteers to Hanoi. I should be grateful if you could let me know what steps you would need to take to secure MOD agreement to this, roughly what notice would be required, the approximate cost, and any other considerations you feel may be relevant.

16 November 1989

Charlos Haswell

CCD Haswell

7

Hong Kong Department

cc: Mr Paul,

HKD

Mr Colvin SEAD PS/Mr Maude

CONFIDENTIAL