CONFIDENTIAL N
P. L. O'Keefe, Esq, MVO
7
November 1975
On the use of Hong Kong by the US Navy the briefing can be in the following terms:-
"USN ships visit Hong Kong from time to time with the permission of the Governor of Hong Kong. Nuclear propelled warships (NPWS) of the US Navy use the so called ''berth, which is cleared for nuclear propelled vessels: they do so in accord with worldwide reciprocal arrangements. The RN assist in minor repairs to US Navy ships in Hong Kong on a repayment basis as a result of arrangements made locally with the Commander Hong Kong in 1973."
This is the position which has applied since mid-1973, but until that time we understand that because of American involvement in Vietnam there were political restrictions on US Navy use of Hong Kong.
As there is so little to say, I much doubt whether a Ministry of Defence representative should be present and hope you may feel able to brief on the lines indicated above, adding if asked that details about the use of Hong Kong by USN ships could reasonably be pursued during the sub-committee's visit.
I tried to speak to you yesterday about the manner of proceeding and in your absence discussed the various points with Mr Milton, but please let me know at the beginning of next week if you feel you need further
help.
you
Simanj
Горан Дыйла
CONFIDENTIAL