TNAG-0059-FCO40-95-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1968 — Page 5

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20. J. 68.

SECRET

Sir Morrice James

85

AIRCRAFT CARRIER PROGRAMME

The Defence Secretary's minute of

13 February to the Chancellor and its Annex seek agreement for completing the refit of Ark Royal and her conversion to take Phantom aircraft.

2. We share the concern expressed in paragraph 3 of Mr. Healey's minute and paragraph 1 of its annex in ensuring the best possible forces to cover the withdrawals in 1971 and to meet our commitments meanwhile. If the Chinese saw that our withdrawals could be subjected to force majeure they might well be tempted to renew the pressures on us in Hong Kong » The presence of a refitted Ark Royal in Far bastern waters would reduce this danger.

3. Refitting Ark Royal would also promote our interest, which for tactical reasons we cannot state to other Whitehall departments at this stage, in having adequate naval and amphibious forces available as part of the General Capability which will be retained after the 1971 withdrawale.

4. For these reasons Mr. Moreton has suggested that we should advise the Secretary of State to support Mr. Healey's case. I attach a draft minute from the Secretary of State to the Chancellor accordingly, which Mr. Moreton has asked me to submit to you direct. agrees.

Mr. Carter

c.c. Mr. Moreton

Mr. Rob Mr. Carter

(J. M. Melleill) 19 February 1968

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