TNAG-0537-FCO40-632-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 78

CONFIDENTIAL

2ND DRAFT

continued to intercept and shadow Russian aircraft entering NATO

airspace to the north and north west of the United Kingdom.

Border Policing

45.

Under the terms of the Potsdam Agreement, sorties by Lightning

fighter aircraft of RAF Germany and patrols mounted by BAOR have

continued to play a full part in the aerial and ground policing of

the border between the Federal Republic of Germany and the German

Democratic Republic.

Hydrography

46.

Survey vessels of the Royal Navy have continued their surveying

and charting operations, providing essential navigational information

for defence purposes and commercial shipping interests.

Agreements

have been reached with the French and Dutch Hydrographers over areas

of surveying responsibilities. to avoid duplication of effort.7

In April 1974, survey vessels of the Royal Navy began a comprehensive

and systematic geophysical survey of virtually the whole of the United

Kingdom continental shelf. The survey is being carried out in close

co-operation with the Institute of Geological Sciences under the

joint aegis of the Ministry of Defence and the Department of Energy.7

This will provide the Government with information necessary to

ensure the effective exploitation of our sea-bed resources.

Fishery Protection

47. Royal Navy mine countermeasures vessels, a fast patrol boat.

helicopters and aircraft have maintained fishery protection patrols

in home waters. Frigates, assisted by Royal Air Force aircraft and

supported by Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships, operated to protect British

trawlers fishing on the high seas during the fisheries dispute with

Iceland. The British Government welcomes the interim settlement

reached in November 1973, which offers the prospect of a new and happier

chapter in our relationship with a NATO ally.

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CONFIDENTIAL