TNAG-0536-FCO40-631-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 15

C.S. 143

Ri

20 JAN1975

SCR 5/62KK 10), 10/1

2

SECRET

Colonial Secretariat, Lower Albert Road, Hong Kong.

18th January 1975

27

Sear

Costs of the Royal Navy in Hong Kong

58

You will recall that during the exploratory defence talks here from 8th to 10th January there was discussion regarding the proposed Naval expenditure. In particular, we considered the composition of the Hong Kong Squadron, the refitting of a replacement for HMS Chichester and the eventual replacement of the existing patrol vessels.

-

We had already noted that MOD had a slight preference for retaining the 5 patrol vessels rather than the frigate. C. B. F., in paras. 29

32 of his paper 6060 HQBF "Force levels in Hong Kong" dated 2nd July 1974, has set out his views on the tasks of the Royal Navy and the composition of the squadron but so far no final decision. has been taken on the size and composition of the squadron. In our talks we did not investigate this in any detail and it is obviously desirable that an updated assessment of the threats to be met should be prepared and the alternative ways of meeting them set out. The refitting costs and replacement costs, which were quoted to us, make this very important. Could this please be done, taking into account the points made in this letter?

We have so far pressed for the retention of the frigate because of the threat which armed Chinese gunboats pose to Hong Kong, bearing in mind the right of free passage which they enjoy within parts of our territorial waters. This produces a constant risk of confrontation and there have been occasions in the past when vessels of the Royal Hong Kong Police Force have had to undertake their normal patrolling, and stopping and examining vessels, literally under the

A. C. Stuart, Esq.,

Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Department, Foreign & Commonwealth Office,

London S. W. 1

SECRE

/guns.

Mied b

то

MOD(F. Parrish)

Wait

287

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