SECRET 高度機密
LOGSEN
5
sovereignty and to respond to situations with which MARPOL on
its own might have difficulty in coping effectively. In this
regard, the Peacocks were designed specially for Hong Kong
after very full consideration of the role and operational
capabilities required of them. This took into account size,
speed, armaments, range,
communications, costs and tactical
facilities e.g. being able to respond quickly (by launching
fast pursuit craft as necessary) to incidents throughout Hong
Kong waters.
to
Political Considerations
9.
The position of the Royal Navy during the transition
period to 1997 has both a local and Chinese
dimension,
political
10.
In the aftermath of events in Peking in June 1989,
the Hong Kong community takes some reassurance from the
presence of the RN Peacock-class vessels as a visible
demonstration of British sovereignty. The purchase of these
vessels was funded largely by Hong Kong, as are their current
operating costs, so there would need to be a very good case to
justify their withdrawal or replacement by other craft with a
lesser operational capability. There would be public
pressure to show that any new arrangements did not represent a
reduction in
operational capability, nor a lessening of
HMG's commitment, nor any financial disadvantage to Hong Kong.