TNAG-2404-FCO40-3491-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1992 — Page 138

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MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

Main Building Whitehall London SW1A 2HB

Telephone (Direct Dialling) 071-21-8 2038

(Switchboard) (Fax)

071-21-89000 071-21-8

Miss K Bourne

Non Proliferation and Defence Dept Foreign and Commonwealth Office King Charles Street

London SW1A 2AH

Your reference

Our reference D/Sec(AS)10/38/4

Date

5 June 1991

ROUTING TO HONG KONG

Reference: ACA/JDA 130244Z May 1992

Minute

puAS

I have attached at Annex A the reference signal which provides notification that the Chinese authorities are content for RAF aircraft to nominate Guangzhou International Airport as the diversion airfield for flights to Hong Kong.

In the light of this it is intended that the RAF now adopt a revised routing for. Tristar aircraft on routine runs to the Far East. It is proposed that, instead. of flying, as we currently do, via the Middle East, we route via the CIS and China this route is impossible without Canton as the diversion.

You will see from the tables at Annex B that the Tristars can carry a very useful payload when routing via Moscow and also save 11 hours flying time on a round trip compared with the Gulf route. Another benefit is that, in times of political tension in the Gulf, an alternative route is available. This will, of course, become increasingly useful as we approach 1997 and as the number of trips to the Far East increase significantly.

Arrangements have existed for some time for the RAF to overfly the Soviet Union/CIS and China. Because of the proposed increase in the number and regularity of flights and the ever changing situation in the CIS, however, I should be grateful for your views and for confirmation that you are content for us to proceed as planned. I am copying this letter to the UK representatives in the countries concerned who may also wish to comment and to FCO Sec Pol Dept who may be interested in the implications for relations with the CIS.