SECRET
b.
Mine countermeasures vessels (MCMVs). Before April 1969 there were two; the number is being increased to 5 by October 1969, by transfer from Singapore as the MCMV Squadron there reduces: the present strength is three. Their role in Hong Kong is to give direct support to maritime police pătrols to prevent the influx of refu- gees by sea and to contribute to the control of piracy and smuggling. They will continue to provide the Far East mine countermeasures (MCM) capability until 1971 but after 1971 there is no requirement for a MCM capability and the ships
will be equipped only for their role in Hong Kong.
c. Limited shore facilities in HMS TAMAR.
The remainder of the Far Fast Fleet, based on Singapore, is available for reinforcement of the Hong Kong garrison.
The Future
6. Because of the long reinforcement time from the United Kingdom, a second frigate will be deployed to Hong Kong from the end of 1971. Of the five MCMVs, two will be at operational readiness for patrol, two as reinforcement and one undergoing refit or maintenance.
7. To support the frigates and MCMVs, one small tanker is required to guard against loss of commercial shore fuel facilities through strike action or subversion and to support the UN Command frigate if deployed. A small increase in base facilities in HMS TAMAR will also be required.
Cost
8.
The annual budgetary and foreign exchange costs of the naval element of the garrison are:-
Present
After 1971
Budgetary
F.E.
Budgetary
F.E.
£M
£M
Frigates
1.20
0.17
2.40
0.33
MCMVS
0.20
0.12
0.50
0.29
Tanker
0.20
0.02
Base
1.10
0.99
1.10
0.99
2.50
1.28
4.20
1.63
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