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CONFIDENTIAL
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FL
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Flog
2883
(e) Any future visit by the USS "Enterprise" would have to
ɔe subject to the most careful consideration.
(f) The need to avoid the undue concentration of ships at
(g)
any one time should be re-emphasised.
The greatest
It was desirable not to allow the dates of ships' visits
to be known longer in advance than is absolutely necessary.
2. The Americans have indicated (Hong Kong telegram No. 1012
to Commonwealth Office) that they see no difficulty in accepting
points (c), (e), (f) and (g); but that points (a) and (1) are
unwelcome and will have to be taken up with the Headquarters
of the American Seventh Fleet and in Washington.
difficulty for them is that section of point (b) which concerns
helicopter or troop carriers, more accurately anti-submarine
support carriers (CVS) and amphibious assault ships (LFH).
The inclusion of CVS'e and LPH's in the category of ships after
the visit of which no other potentially controversial visits
(i.e. visits by nuclear ships or strike carriers) can take place
for two weeks would result in a significant reduction in the
total number of ships visits. The Americans argue the visits
of such ships in the past have not caused trouble with the
local communists or with the Chinese Government. The Governor
supports the Americans and asks that the two categories be
deleted.
3. Mr. Wilford has also reported from ashington that the
American Navy Department hinted that they are concerned over
points (a) and (a) As regards point (d), a visit of under
five days would create coneiderable administrative difficulties
•
CONFIDENTIAL
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