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however more justification for this, the opportunities for training in Hong Kong are very limited.

4. HKG have already noted that discussing these overseas trips by the vessels could be a useful negotiating tactic: it is something that the MOD will wish to keep and on which HKG could concede gracefully, eventually.

5. HKG also have some timing constraints on reaching a decision, although not as acute as the MOD's who are now saying that a decision must be reached by end May.

As you know, Hong Kong has invited tenders for the reprovisioning of the Naval Base to Stonecutters Island. These tenders are

only valid until the end of June. HKG are therefore looking for a decision by then, one way or another.

EELALK/2

Mikl rstae.

M V Stone

Interesting though we do I expect have also

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aninkaid in maibaining an occasàvel neval

presence in Seasin

Ye but not at HKCG expense!

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نے

Adaw man

۹/۰

12/5

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