TNAG-0023-FCO40-59-Facilities-for-US-Forces-1968 — Page 53

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ships such as submarines and frigates, particularly the former,

are unlikely to be as conspicuous as those of cruisers and

carriers. The visits of such ships to Hong Kong have never

occasioned Chinese comment. If the Americans press this

matter, I think that a reasonable compromise might be to say

that we would consider allowing two additional visits by

smaller nuclear-powered vessels, i.e. submarines and frigates,

particularly the former, up to a limit of about six a year in

all provided they were spaced at about two month intervals and

depending on the state of relations with China.

(James Murray)

28 August, 1968.

Copies to:

Mr. Sykes, Defence Dept.

Mr. Carter, Hong Kong Dept.

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