SECRET
BACKGROUND AND ARGUMENT
3. When the nuclear aircraft carrier USS "Enterprise" visited Hong
Kong in May, there was a protest from the Chinese as there had been
on the occasion of her two previous visita. In view of the very
strained state of Sino-British relations, which the Chinese had made
clear was a reflection of difficulties in Hong Kong, it was agreed
that a review of the policy on U.8. naval visits should be made.
was proposed (C.0. telegram No. 1252 to Hong Kong) that the following
points should be put to the Americans with a view to amending the
guidelines agreed in May, 1966 (attached):
It
(a) There should be no visits by potentially controversial vessels
in the fortnight or so after a visit by a nuclear-powered ship,
strike carrier or helicopter or troop carrier to Hong Kong •
(b) The Americans should give us the maximum possible notice of
the visita of major ships.
(c) Visits by particularly controversial vessels, i... nuclear ves-
sela, might in future last less than the customary five days.
(d) The Americans should give us the maximum possible notice of
the visite of major ships.
(e) Visits of nuclear-powered shipa as such be subject to special
apscing.
(f) Future requests for visits by the nuclear-powered aircraft car-
rier USS "Enterprise" would require very careful consideration
indeed.
(g) It was desirable not to allow the dates of ships' visits to be
known earlier inadvance then was absolutely necessary.
SECHET
../ The