CONFIDENTIAL
P H Tipple Esq
2
6 January 1983
HKK 243/((982) I suggest that instead the next stage be that you reply to
with (174)
CAPIC Hong Kong's letter of 22 July 1982 referring to consultations here and pointing out that we are fully aware of the legal and political implications, as are the Hong Kong Government, who would consult us at an early stage if they ever envisaged using the contingency order eg to tow Vietnamese refugee craft. We would, however, write at the same time to the Secretary for Security again, referring to his letter and reminding him of the need for Hong Kong to consult us at an early stage if they felt they needed to resort to such a procedure.
cc:
Defence Dept SEAD
R J F Hoare
Hong Kong and General Department
CONFIDENTIAL