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BILATERAL WITH THE PRIME MINISTER: 24 JULY: HONG KONG
ROYAL NAVAL PATROL CRAFT
Must consider patrol craft in the context of our other out
of area responsibilities (my minute of 15 July).
Believe highest priority should be attached to Hong Kong
patrol craft and West Indian Guardship, followed by Endurance and Belize garrison.
- Some scope for further savings in Hong Kong, eg personnel reductions, helicopters.
Cost of retaining craft: £15 million over 5 years.
Reducing vessels from 3 to 2 would save £3 million.
Timing of announcement now (your visit to China/Hong Kong)
particularly unfortunate.
VISIT OF PRIME MINISTER TO CHINA AND HONG KONG
But need to
Recognise complications and uncertainties.
put dates soon to Chinese. Suggest 30 August to
4 September.
Suggest we travel separately and meet in Peking. Visit
Hong Kong after China. Your views?
-
Problem over Guard of Honour in Tiananmen. Could tell
Chinese we don't want it. Your views?
TEDAER/1
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CC