This might make military sense, but Mr Roh worries it will send the wrong signal to North Korea, at least until the nuclear crisis is resolved.

ECONOMIST: Bucking up the alliance

Not only will it send the wrong signal to potential foreign investors, but the Indian Government may also end up paying huge sums of money because of the complex web of contract guarantees agreed with Enron.

BBC: India casts doubt on Enron project

He said Mr Halfon was "simply wrong" to suggest it would send out the wrong signal to business.

BBC: UK Border Agency

Government sources also indicated that there was no chance of Bill Bratton, the former Los Angeles and New York police chief brought in as a consultant by ministers, getting the top job, because it would send out the wrong signal to officers in Britain.

BBC: Top Scottish officer emerges as Met chief front-runner

Labour has warned the prospect of a protracted renegotiation followed by a referendum could send out the wrong signal to business.

BBC: Nick Clegg says Cameron's EU goal 'wholly implausible'