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ships such as submarines and frigates, particularly the former,
are unlikely to be as conspicuous as those of cruisers and
carriers. The visits of such ships to Hong Kong have never
occasioned Chinese comment. If the Americans press this
matter, I think that a reasonable compromise might be to say
that we would consider allowing two additional visits by
smaller nuclear-powered vessels, i.e. submarines and frigates,
particularly the former, up to a limit of about six a year in
all provided they were spaced at about two month intervals and
depending on the state of relations with China.
(James Murray)
28 August, 1968.
Copies to:
Mr. Sykes, Defence Dept.
Mr. Carter, Hong Kong Dept.
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