DECKET
UK EYES A LOCSEN
allocation. There was agreement that the absorption of EPS into the Armed Forces would be unlikely to work and Chat, furthermore, it would entail a move of LEPS from Hong Kong to qualify for British Nationality
British Nationality which would be self-defeating.
34. The FCO mentioned that the HKG felt that the RHKP were in the front line and therefore would support their case strongly. They felt that LEP/LECS were the direct responsibility of the MOD.
ITEM 10
-
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE (VBP)
could
VBP.
on
Ministers were
35. CBF briefed the meeting on the latest situation
He highlighted the sensitivity of the issue in Hong Kong, the unpopularity of the VBP there and lack of sympathy for their plight in Hong Kong. The FCO agreed with this, opining that they were not optimistic of diplomatic initiatives in the short term. aware that major reappreciation would be necessary if there was a major influx of VBP in the coming months. CBF, drawing on his discussions with the Governor, said that if there was
influx similar to last year, the Hong Kong authorities would be unable to cope thus increasing the probability of a request for military assistance.
•
36. The Chairman commented on the difficulty that the use of troops with VBP would pose for the MOD. This was endorsed by Hd Sec (0) (C) who added that any such use would be a matter for Ministers but discreet contingency planning against a possible future requirement was a sensible precaution. Replying to a question from DMO, CBF said that only a limited amount of specialist reinforcement from the UK would be necessary if the Garrison was required to take on the task of running a VBP detention centre, limited mainly to some servicewomen and specialists from the Military Provost Staff Corps.
ITEM 11 - ANY OTHER BUSINESS
37. ADNP (WS) asked if the MARPOL expansion was proceeding according to plan. ACOS J3 HQBF replied that the purchase of 2 additional Sector Control Craft had been stopped and that the decision on whether MARPOL were to assume responsibility for SAR resided with Security Branch, HKG. The topic of RN patrol craft was briefly revisited.
ROW 3b
38. It was decided that a small working level meeting would be held in advance of the next steering group meeting | Sec(O(C) to begin mapping out the way in which the major review of the withdrawal plan would be tackled.
39. Date of Next Meeting. meeting should be held in
It was agreed that the next Sep 90.
(Secretary's Note:
HQBF Hong Kong
LOCSEN
UK EYES A
SECRET
Οι
9