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smuggling operations conducted by speed boats has therefore slipped. The HKG
accepted this MARPOL shortfall because provision had previously been made for
the 3 remaining RN HKPC to have a ship-borne FPC capability, with the FPC
crewed by RM personnel on each ship's complement. It is expected that MARPOL
will have a land-based FPC capability by early 1989 but HKG wish the RN to
retain the ship-borne FPCs as long as there are PC in HK waters.
33.
Withdrawal of 3 Remaining PC. CDS 7/87 predicated withdrawal of the 3
remaining PC sometime during or after 1991. This timescale was selected on the
basis of a continuing requirement for 3 PC at least until MARPOL had all 5 new
SC launches operational and was ready to fulfil the RN's deep water anti-II role
(Annex D refers). However, design shortfalls apparent within the first batch of
2 SC launches could delay introduction into service of the second batch of
3; '1991' could therefore prove to be an optimistic date. CDS 7/87 emphasised
that there is no requirement to take a decision until 1990 on the future dispo-
sal of the 3 PC remaining in Hong Kong. This approach may change in the light
of the study into the future RN presence discussed at paragraph 35, but there is
currently provision in LTC assumptions for retention of the PC until Mar 1992.
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34. Given the uncertainty over the precise timing of MARPOL's future acceptance
of SC launches, and the fact that the HKG have yet to submit a firm statement of
requirement concerning the extension of the afloat naval presence to 1997, there
is as yet no case for advancing the timescale for withdrawal of the 3 remaining
HKPC which remains 'during or after, but not earlier than, 1991'. However,
their pro-rata reduction and overall capability - will continue to be assessed
in relation to the perceived requirements for military presence at sea, and in
relation to the introduction of MARPOL replacement assets; these aspects will be
addressed as part of the study discussed in paragraphs 35-38.
ROW 113 (HONG)
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