1
Pr Quantrill
Mr
McLaren
Mr McLaren Muure
CONFIDENTIAL
Reference..
HKK 341/1
GI
jolis 43
folio 45
folio 4
REINFORCEMENT FOR HONG KONG HONG KONG TELNO 439 at folio 60]
folio60]
1. I have been in touch with DS5 (Royal Navy) and DS6 (Army) to discover current MOD thinking on providing reinforcement for Hong Kong to combat increased levels of immigration and the growing problem
of refugees • Hong Kong tel no. 2. Miss Williams, DS5, was able to confirm that approval had been given for CAPIC, Hong Kong, to make use of the tug Clare (see attached telegrams). However, following this decision there seems little chance of a frigate being detached from service in the NATO area and deployed to Hong Kong. In Hong Kong telegram No 353, the Governor proposes that should this not be possible, the RN Group due to visit Singapore in October should afterwards sail on to Hong Kong. Miss Williams explained that originally this Group had been destined for CENTO manoeuvres in the Middle East but, with the dissolution of CENTO, a new programme was being discussed at this very moment. The alternatives were:
(i) an early return home;
(ii) goodwill visits to the Gulf; and
(iii) to bring forward the proposed visit to China and
have the Group visit Hong Kong and Shanghai.
There seems to be little support for option (iii) in MOD circles. However, the matter had been referred to our Defence Department. On checking with Defence Department, I was able to discover that the matter had been referred to FED and that Mr Fursland, while welcoming any visit by the Royal Navy to China at any time, preferred that it should take place in 1980 when more vessels would become available. I have agreed with Defence Department that they should withhold their reply to the MOD until tomorrow evening so that, if we feel strongly on the matter, we can make our opinions known.
3.
Major Skidmore, DS6, reported that CBF Hong Kong was happy with the current strength of the Garrison, at least until June when, as the Governor indicated in Hong Kong telegram No 352, the situation would be eviewed. Mr Aves, DS6, later confirmed this.
4. When I pointed out that Mr McLaren would be leaving for Hong Kong after Easter and would need to brief the Governor, Mr Aves replied that Mr Dromgoole would probably be available for discussion next week. If for reason that was not - the case;
HKK
he would be happy to take Mr Drongoole's place. HKK 341ll
draft telegram for Hong Kong.
5. I attach
31
CODE 18-77
1thing
i
по
25.4
NA Ling
5 April 1979
Hong Kong and General Department
N.B. Mr Dromgoole's better to Mr Murray is at folio $6.
Mr Murray's reply
is at folis 55.
CONFIDENTIAL
Although