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in the previous paragraph. The study is also to review the minimum contingency
force of Scout helicopters, currently identified as 6 aircraft - in the light of
the revised Concept of Operations. This particular assessment, together with
recommendations concerning the management of Scouts in Hong Kong to guarantee
short notice availability of this minimum contingency force may be deferred
until 1 Oct 89 if required, in order to derive information from the IRR Scout
Trial (paragraph 28 refers).
NAVAL ASPECTS
32.
Redacted under FOI exemption section 27(1)
1988 Withdrawals and Implications. CDS 7/87 envisaged MARPOL deploying 2
new SC launches in 1987 and achieving a land-based fast pursuit craft (FPC)
capability in early 1988. On this basis, plans were made to withdraw 2 RN PC
and 3 Raiding Squadron Royal Marines (3RSRM) in early 1988. In the event,
although the 2 MARPOL SC launches were operational by early 1988,
delayed the
withdrawal of the first 2 HKPC until Jul 88. 3 RSRM was also withdrawn in
Jul 88 even though MARPOL had not by then (and still have not) achieved an
operational FPC capability. The programme to enable MARPOL to combat II and
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
ROW 113 (HONG)
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