Dan Dangles,
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HONG KONG: ROYAL NAVAL presenCE AFLOAT
62
MO 6/19/1J
228 May 1991
Thank you for your letter of 14th May on this difficult
subject.
I agree that we should try and resolve it as quickly as possible and avoid exacerbating the existing political difficulties
in Hong Kong.
Ma
-
At the same time, however, I know you appreciate the very awkward financial position we find ourselves in. The current
garrison withdrawal plan which was drawn up in consultation with
the Hong Kong Government assumes that the three Hong Kong patrol craft will be withdrawn in 1992 and it will be necessary to consider
how funds could be made available for their retention after that
date. Despite careful and detailed study, twice, by the Chiefs of Staff and Defence Ministers, no compelling military case can be made
for keeping them in Hong Kong waters. On the other hand,
recognise the political rationale for retaining an afloat RN presence as a clear symbol of HMG's continuing commitment to the Territory and, as we have said before on several occasions, we would
be content to keep the patrol craft in Hong Kong, provided that
arrangements can be made to reduce extra costs to a level which can
be accommodated in the hard pressed defence budget.
The Rt Hon Douglas Hurd CBE MP Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary
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