SECRET
troops and the spacing of visits of naval vessels. Guide lines
also provide for regular and informal consultations in Hong Kong
between the Hong Kong authorities and the United States Consulate-
General. This consultative machinery keeps the Governor informed
of the use being made of the Colony by United States Service
personnel, ships and aircraft; it also provides a channel of
communication whereby the local United States authorities can approach
the Hong Kong Government for the use of, facilities or for changes in
the use of existing facilities. The guide lines were drawn up
before the advent of nuclear powered warships.
Consideration is ·
now being given to the desirability of making provision in the guide
lines to cover the visits of such vessels to Hong Kong.
Mr. Rankin has put down questions on this subject on two previous occasions (February 1966 and November 1966). On both
occasions his questions were addreased to and answered by the
Prime Minister.
SEGRET