SECRET UK EYES A
LOCSEN
38. Objective. The study is to define the type(s) and number of vessels and associated equipment required to provide the minimum credible naval force, which could fulfil
a possible political commitment to retain a naval presence afloat most cost-effectively, and to identify the respective
manpower, establishments and supporting facilities required by each option considered in the process of the review.
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
25 LOCSEN
UK EYES A
SECRET