HKD
& PS
PS/Lord Caithness Sir J Coles
Mr Broomfield
Mr Burns Esc/91/157 Mr Beamish
i
HKB 063/1
CONFIDENTIAL Mi
G
SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE
Mr Goulden
NPOD Special
м
Pa Mr. Cox
Hong Kong Patrol Craft
Advisers Mornick w/T
WIAD
1.
4
Thank you for your minute of 10 June about the future of the RN patrol craft in Hong Kong.
2. I discussed this issue with the Governor of
Hong Kong during his recent visit to London. He remains
strongly of the view that there is a military requirement
for the patrol craft until 30 June 1997; and that if
patrol craft are withdrawn in 1992 we must expect increasing encroachment by Chinese patrol vessels into
Hong Kong waters. He also believes that seeking the approval of Finance Committee for a special arrangement for the patrol craft which went beyond the cost-sharing ratio agreed in the defence costs agreement would create a damaging political row.
3.
The Governor well understands the pressures on the defence budget, and has examained carefully whether there
are ways in which alternative solutions can be found,
including the idea of the HKG buying out the MOD's
capital interest in the craft and operating them
themselves. In his judgment, however, none of these are
workable.
CONFIDENTIAL
/4.