SECRET
UK EYES A
LOCSEN
39. Underwater Roles and Support Capabilities Study. CDS
7/87 also referred to the withdrawal of other RN assets such
as the ferries (by 1988) and the divers and related support
capabilities (by about 1990). The RN ferries (owned 100% by HKG) will be handed back to HKG in early-1989 and
alternative arrangements to support Stonecutters Island are
in hand. HKG still has not resolved how it will fulfil the
underwater Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and clearance diving roles, and is unlikely to have introduced these
capabilities before 1992/93. HQBFHK has therefore been
tasked to resolve with HKG during 1989 how and when the transfer of underwater roles and support capabilities should be implemented.
REINFORCEMENT EXERCISE
40. Consideration has yet to be given to exercising the contingency reinforcement of Hong Kong under the provisions of JTP 30. EX PURPLE VENTURE 92, if run as an in-theatre CPX, would provide the first opportunity to do this. ΤΟ hold such an exercise in 1992, the year of the withdrawal of
the first battalion, would serve to demonstrate to the HKG and the PRCG the UK's capability and will to deal with any break down of public order prior to 1997. However, the reasons for holding such an exercise would need to be carefully explained to the HKG and to the Chinese to avoid misunderstandings arising about its purpose. In particular, it would be essential to avoid creating the impression that the UK anticipates trouble before the final handover and does not believe that the Hong Kong authorities have the capability to preserve internal security and stability in the Territory. In addition, since the potential problems described in paragraph 12 could become more starkly apparent by 1992, presentation of the exercise to the Hong Kong
COS49.6-17
26 LOCSEN
UK EYES A
SECRET