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the fact that the HKG authorities are only at this stage
examining the legal and practical implications of towing vessels
to outside territorial waters should the Executive Council suggest
that such action is taken.
6.
:
The draft operational order
envisages A patrol craft bein- used as follows:
2.
where an inc min vessel is located on or near
the territoriul boundary, its occupants and their
possessions, would first be reloved, ir necessary by
force, and detained onboard the RN craft or transferreü
to the
the Larine Folice, unti evel this as the vessel is
certifica na scaworthy and subsequently replenished and
reïtorica;
D.
On completion of the above, the occupants or the
veseul noile remain on or be transferred to the RN craft
which would then tow the vessel to a pre-arranged
position in international waters, then return the
occupants and their possessions to the vessel, release
the tow and immediately leave the scene.
Until their return to their vessel all persons
are to be handled as prisoners and dealt with accordingly.
DISCUSSION
7.
In considering HKG's proposals, the prime concern has been
to protect HMG's position, both moral and legal, in the eyes of
the domestic and international community.
8.. In this context, Minister (AF) will be aware that HMG is a
signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights (1966), Article 10(1) of which states that 'all persons
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