What Is Really Behind Camerons Offer To France?

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/technical-fault-delays-british-military-plane-bound-to-assist-french-efforts-to-halt-alqaidalinked-rebels-in-mali-8450469.html

We seem to be getting mixed messages regarding this offer, Cameron is said to have 'first out of the blocks' to offer help, yet has said ”It's absolutely essential, as part of our obligations as a permanent member of the Security Council, that we provide assistance when we are requested.“"

So did we offer or were we requested?

Haven't France any such aircraft? Why cash strapped Britain, why not Germany or any other EU country for that matter? Could it be because the US is also providing communications and transport and has offered armed drones to support the mission?

/// Africa Minister Mark Simmonds has indicated that British personnel could play a role in training the Malian army in addition to the logistical support already announced. ///

/// French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius insisted the military assault would last 'a matter of weeks'. ///

Doesn't something sound all too familiar here?

[Baldric]

Maggie had her war.
Blair had his, never did finish it though.
Call me Dave seems to be looking for one!

[jno]

all wars are planned to last only a few weeks, and once in a while it turns out to be true. But it's a rash promise to make, isn't it.

[emmie]

let us not get involved in any more of these wars, too many British soldiers have died already, we don't owe France anything.

[sandyRoe]

Even if it lasts longer than a few weeks I'm sure it will be all over by Christmas.

[jno]

you are very canny not to mention a year there, sandyRoe

[buildersmate]

Haven't France any such aircraft?
No they haven't. Their (much smaller) C160 is obsolescent and I don't think they've received their Airbus A400 replacement - which is also much smaller than a C17.

Why cash strapped Britain, why not Germany or any other EU country for that matter? 'Cash-strapped' is a relative term. These things are sitting at Brize Norton doing nothing anyway, so represent a sunk cost. The variable cost element is fuel, but perhaps not large in the overall scale of things.

Could it be because the US is also providing communications and transport and has offered armed drones to support the mission?
More likely because we have no operational aircraft carriers right now, so could call in a few favours later from the French.

[pdq1]

Some would say its a token gesture towards France. Wants to be seen as a good European and further the policy of a European defence force not having to rely on the US for wars within our region. If the US did offer boots on the ground, highly unlikely, Cameron would do the same.

It proves one thing. By getting rid of al-qaeda in Afghanistan proves nothing. That organisation are capable of moving anywhere they want to in the world as they don't have to worry about transporting arms but just themselves and their ideology.

[Gromit]

France have 50 airbus transporters on order but they are 5 years late and the project is £5billion over budget.

We have the C17s because we were fed up waiting for our Airbuses and loaned these aircraft. Unfortunately we instantly broke the terms of the loan and were obliged to buy them instead. No wonder the MOD is always so hopelessly overspent.

[anotheoldgit]

Makes one wonder why Mali would wish the help of their colonial masters?

Where is the African Union when one needs them?

Just a few relevant objectives of the African Union, courtesy of Wikipedia.

To defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of its Member States.

To promote and defend African common positions on issues of interest to the continent and its peoples.

To promote peace, security, and stability on the continent.

To promote and protect human and peoples' rights in accordance with the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and other relevant human rights instruments.

[emmie]

let's not be beholden to the French, we have never come off well when we have been, time to say non

[anotheoldgit]

buildersmate

/// These things are sitting at Brize Norton doing nothing anyway, so represent a sunk cost. The variable cost element is fuel, but perhaps not large in the overall scale of things. ///

Not to mention the risk of taking two aircraft costing millions, into what is predominately a war zone, plus the fact that they may also be needed to transport vital equipment into our war zone, that being Afghanistan.

Mind you the French won't be bothered about that, seeing that they no longer take an active part in that little skirmish.

[bazwillrun]

We just never learn...What The Funicular has this got to do with us ?!....squat, nada, diddely etc etc, but no we have to get involved

[jake-the-peg]

Missing a trick here

Should be leasing the aircraft to the French

[Gromit]

We have 8 C17s the biggest fleet after USAF.

We bought No. 8 for £200,million in February. Strangely enough, we didn't have to wait for delivery, it was just ready for us to pick up from the Boeing factory,

[sandyRoe]

One of our aircraft has broken down in Paris. Could we lease planes from Ryanair?
http://www.news-panel.com/news/bbcbreaking-british-raf-c17-plane-heading-for-mali-breaks-down-in-france-not-expected-to-leave-until-tuesday-httptcozah85ent

[jno]

good thinking, sandyRoe, Michael O'Leery would appreciate the practice in not having to land, just pushing passengers out the door while airborne.