TNAG-0022-FCO40-58-Facilities-for-US-Forces-1968 — Page 71

SECRET

troops and the spacing of visits of naval vessels. Guide lines

also provide for regular and informal consultations in Hong Kong

between the Hong Kong authorities and the United States Consulate-

General. This consultative machinery keeps the Governor informed

of the use being made of the Colony by United States Service

personnel, ships and aircraft; it also provides a channel of

communication whereby the local United States authorities can approach

the Hong Kong Government for the use of, facilities or for changes in

the use of existing facilities. The guide lines were drawn up

before the advent of nuclear powered warships.

Consideration is ·

now being given to the desirability of making provision in the guide

lines to cover the visits of such vessels to Hong Kong.

Mr. Rankin has put down questions on this subject on two previous occasions (February 1966 and November 1966). On both

occasions his questions were addreased to and answered by the

Prime Minister.

SEGRET