SECRET
Category AC: no unclassified reply or reference.
17.
Mo Ross
0813212 February
SECRET
From:
CINC FE
Date: 8.2.67
To:
MOD UK
Recd:
14402
Info:
CBF Hong Kong
IMMEDIATE
RIT
16.
SEACOS 20 for CDS from CINC FE.
Ref COSSEA 10. EX CARICATURE.
1. Have cancelled exercise but FEARLESS, BULWARK, and SIR LANCELOT with normal escorts. i.e. two Commandos tactically loaded had already sailed. Am very anxious they should be allowed to proceed Hong Kong and carry out minor training at unit level including HEL training for Hong Kong Units. CBF also anxious to carry out planned 1.S. exercise with Commandos 22 28 Feb.
ND
2. In any event SIR LANCELOT is due to dry dock in Hong Kong on 19 February. In addition this is the only opportunity for FEARLESS to visit Hong Kong this mommission. For HEL training presence of
BULWARK is also necessary.
3. The Governor and CBF Hong Kong support the concept of minor training and R and R for the whole of the embarked force. (See Hong Kong to Commonwealth Office Tel No 30 of 8 Feb).
40
These proposals would be similar to arrangements which are made during normal fleet visits and fit in with the general announcement made by the Governor on future exercises. The visit should therefore not lead to any reaction by the Chinese.
5.
I would be grateful for your approval to proceed on these lines.
0813212
Advance copy to DOC (6) sent at
08:5552
Distribution authorised by MA/CDS
Referred to MA/CDS 081450Z
CDS (7 CNS (5
CGS (4)
VCAS (4)
CAPL
DOC/COSSEC (14)
D of DP
SEC/DPS (4)
DCDS (1)(2)
AUS (POL) (2)
DS 11
FORM 9(6)
16
21
Maj Gen McNeill Commonwealth Office (3)
SECRET
AM/141