CONFIDENTIAL
3. IF IT IS DECIDED TO RETAIN A FRIGATE IN HONG KONG INSTEAD OF FIVE PATROL CRAFT, THE QUESTION OF REFITTING MERMAID OTHER THAN IN A ROYAL NAVY DOCKYARD WILL RAISE COMPLEX ISSUES INCLUDING THAT OF DOCKYARD LOADINGS IN UK. THESE ARE NOW BEING EXAMINED URGENTLY, AND THE GUARDSHIP. QUESTION MUST AWAIT THE OUTCOME OF THIS EXAMINATION.
ENDS.
CALLAGHAN.
FILES
HKIOD
(3)
DEFENCE DEPT
. SWPD
PS
PS/LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS
SIR D WATSON
COPIES TO:
MR WARD DS6
MOD
MR HANSFORD
MR BRYARS
MR AGGLETON
TREASURY
CABINET OFFICE
PSA DOE
MR THOMSON
MR MALE
- 2.
CONFIDENTIAL