TNAG-0023-FCO40-59-Facilities-for-US-Forces-1968 — Page 49

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(e) Any future visit by the USS "Enterprise" would have to

ɔe subject to the most careful consideration.

(f) The need to avoid the undue concentration of ships at

(g)

any one time should be re-emphasised.

The greatest

It was desirable not to allow the dates of ships' visits

to be known longer in advance than is absolutely necessary.

2. The Americans have indicated (Hong Kong telegram No. 1012

to Commonwealth Office) that they see no difficulty in accepting

points (c), (e), (f) and (g); but that points (a) and (1) are

unwelcome and will have to be taken up with the Headquarters

of the American Seventh Fleet and in Washington.

difficulty for them is that section of point (b) which concerns

helicopter or troop carriers, more accurately anti-submarine

support carriers (CVS) and amphibious assault ships (LFH).

The inclusion of CVS'e and LPH's in the category of ships after

the visit of which no other potentially controversial visits

(i.e. visits by nuclear ships or strike carriers) can take place

for two weeks would result in a significant reduction in the

total number of ships visits. The Americans argue the visits

of such ships in the past have not caused trouble with the

local communists or with the Chinese Government. The Governor

supports the Americans and asks that the two categories be

deleted.

3. Mr. Wilford has also reported from ashington that the

American Navy Department hinted that they are concerned over

points (a) and (a) As regards point (d), a visit of under

five days would create coneiderable administrative difficulties

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