SECRET UK EYES A LOCSEN
establishing the appropriate terms of reference for the
study had contributed in part to the delay. In order to
clarify the position and to confirm the Committee's
agreement to the way ahead, he detailed the aim and scope of the study. The Chairman stated that these were entirely
consistent with the Minutes of the last meeting and that
they would be confirmed further
confirmed further in the record of this
meeting (see Annex A). He asked DN Plans to speak on the
time-scale envisaged. DN Plans stated the intention to
report by mid-Jul 89. The Chairman asked if he would be
considering circulating drafts of the study group's findings. DN Plans indicated his willingness to do so
either within the study group or
or wider prior to final
approval if this was the wish of the Committee, however, he
did express his concern that these measures might involve
further delay. The Chairman said that he thought the first
stage which would be in the interest of an overall speedy
response, would be for the Navy Department to provide from
its point of view, empirical proposals as a base-line for
further debate involving members of the Committee. Asked
by DN Plans whether these should take the form of a precis
of a series of options, the Chairman stated that practical
and economic alternatives were sought which would provide
some sort of RN presence afloat in Hong Kong waters until
1997. This would obviously take into account the empirical
requirement which was political and centred on sovereignty.
He believed this guidance to be adequate but that if further
advice was required, this could be given. He added that he
was anxious to avoid the circumstances
circumstances surrounding the
withdrawal of the first 2 patrol craft and that in order to
do so, it was important to establish a position well in
advance of implementation.
15. DN Plans pointed out the absence of financial provision for the existing patrol craft beyond 1992. In reply, the
Chairman affirmed that this was understood, as was the fact
that this was a new requirement for which there was no
LOCSEN SECRET UK EYES A