4215.(Cont.)
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FLEET OPERATING ORDERS (Volume IV)
ANNEX I
ROYAL FLEET AUXILIARIES
9. While the right of innocent passage of Royal Fleet Auxiliaries within Chinese claimed territorial seas would normally be incontestable, some risk of interference can be foreseen if this right continues to be exercised. For this reason Royal Fleet Auxiliaries have been included in the following instructions.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SHIPS IN HONG KONG WATERS
For operations and exercises HM Ships and RFA's are to use the Square Boundary modified as described below.
10.
a.
b.
Ships may pass within 1 miles South of the POI TOI Islands (2210N 11415E). But see Note.
Ships may pass within one mile to the South of the SOKO Islands (2210N 11355E) and within one mile of the South and South Western ends of LANTAO. But see Note.
c.
Ships are not to proceed:-
(1) Within one mile of CPG shores of MIRS BAY.
(2)
Into STARLING INLET or into DEEP BAY.
(3)
To the North East of PENG CHAU (2233N 11426E).
NOTE:
Ships wishing to proceed as in sub-paragraph 10.a or b are to obtain the prior approval of Capt.i/c. Hong Kong. Furthermore, ships larger than MCM vessels are to make such passages singly except in an emergency.
INSTRUCTIONS TO SHIPS APPROACHING OR LEAVING HONG KONG
Operational Conduct
11.
The situation on the China Coast is such that incidents could arise with either Communist or Nationalist Forces. Commanding Officers are to be guided in dealing with any such incidents by the principles in FLOO 3P.
12. HM Ships and RFA's generally should not go within twelve miles of the China Coast without good reason, eg. to aid a British merchant ship being subjected to unwarranted attack. The intention to take such action should be reported by IMMEDIATE signal to Capt.i/c Hong Kong, info CINCFLEET.
FLOO IV
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