COVERING RESTRICTED
Reference
12
Chris Greenwood
FED WH 240
cc: Rod Bunten, HKD
Hong Kong Diversionary Airfield
HKA 0621
RECEIVED IN MAGISTRY 19 MAY 1993
DESK C
pa
1 REGISTRY
Lion Taken
I ke
1. We spoke about an MOD enquiry over the use of Canton as a designated diversionary airfield for RAF flights into Hong Kong. I attach previous papers for ease of reference.
2.
You will see that the Chinese agreed that Canton could be used for one year wef 9 May 1992. MOD have asked whether arrangements have been made to renew this agreement with the Chinese authorities. This is the first time that the MOD have raised the issue so I suspect that it has not been renewed as yet. I should be grateful for your clearance in principle for the MOD to approach the Chinese through the DA in Peking to to update it. MOD realise that they ought to have approached us before now but would appreciate an early reply given the frequency and importance of RAF flights into Hong Kong. have your comments by COP 20 May?
fe Le bate
JR Preston
Non-Proliferation and Defence Department
13 May 1993
May I
05/RAFHK/Canton
ODE 18-77
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