PS/Lord Caithness
Private Secretary
SECRET
HKB 063/1
From:
RA Burns
Date:
Cc:
PS/PUS
7 May 1991
Sir J Coles Mr Paul, HKD
HONG KONG : ROYAL NAVAL PRESENCE AFLOAT
1. I agree with this advice, albeit reluctantly, since it seems to me that the Chinese will see this as a sign of British weakness and lack of resolve in fulfilling our responsibilities for the defence of Hong Kong.
2.
This is the very best that the Hong Kong Government can do without going back to the Finance Committee of Legco. All the advice is that this would precipitate an almighty row. Reducing our naval presence will worry the Chinese (as regards their own future naval position in Hong Kong), but it will also give them a cause they can exploit against us both politically in Hong Kong and through their own naval incursions into Hong Kong waters. It could also fuel public anxiety in Hong Kong about London's lack of interest.
3.
So I hope the Secretary of State will agree to speak personally and firmly to the Defence Secretary. On the last occasion, his officials immediately contrived to brush aside the conversation by claiming that it had been agreed that the ball was in Hong Kong's court. The Secretary of State should stress therefore that the Governor can only be expected to send a team over to discuss the details if it is accepted that this particular solution will meet MOD's requirements.
4.
If the Defence Secretary refuses to accept a deal on this basis, then I fear the Hong Kong Government will argue that they can do no more and must therefore leave it to the FCO either to find the difference or to decide to reduce the naval presence entirely.
A24AAE
Mr Cyk
Mr Styne
Is Costins
Pa
M
11/5
SECRET
Andrew Ru
R A Burns
55