sec.phonelink
SECRET
HKD 196/1
Foreign & Commonwealth
Office
London SWIA 2AH
File (19
Mr A Hart Room 408A
Cabinet Office
Dear Hart
HONG KONG: SECURE TELEPHONE LINK
Telephone: 071-
270 2647
1. I understand that my Assistant, John Morris, has been discussing with you the establishment of a secure telephone link between the Governor of Hong Kong, No 10 and the Foreign Secretary. The Governor attaches the highest priority to establishing secure telephone contact, and ideally would like it in place by the time he makes his address to LegCo on 7 October. He may need to speak to the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary in the days thereafter.
2.
If I might rehearse the arguments for the record, the options under consideration were:
a) STS;
b) STU 2 B; and
c) Greenhouse.
We have established that the Governor needs a system which is user-friendly and provides a very high degree of aural clarity. We are sure that, on these grounds, STS will not fill the bill. The system must also be classified to Top Secret and caveated UK EYES A. This, I understand, effectively rules out STU 2 B. Greenhouse will however meet all the needs, and I believe that both Private Office No10 and the Foreign Secretary's Private Office have agreed that it may be installed. Private Office, Government House, Hong Kong is also content, (and have asked that we disregard their separate request for a link with the Embassy in Peking. They may return to that issue later, but it does not affect the choice of Greenhouse for the priority link with London).
3. I understand that you have 3 Greenhouse units in stock at present, which would meet our needs, subject to an additional piece of kit needed to make the system compatible in Hong Kong. I would be extremely grateful if you could arrange for installation as early as this can possibly be done.
4.
Mr Goodlad would also like to be given Greenhouse when an extra unit is available. Could I ask you to take this in hand in due course?
SECRET
/5. I am..