CONFIDENTIAL
3RD DRAFT
helicopters and aircraft have maintained fishery protection patrols
in home waters and have also carried out similar patrols off Norway
and Rockall. 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
new and happier chapter in our relationship with a NATO partner.
MILITARY AID TO THE CIVIL COMMUNITY
Search and Rescue
50. The Services have carried out many search and rescue operations
and medical evacuation flights.
51. During the last two years, the Royal Navy won the Henri Dunant
Trophy in the International Search and Rescue competition, and the
Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose received a Wilkinson "Sword of
Peace" for its part in the helicopter search and rescue service.
52. In January 1974 Royal Navy and Federal German Navy Sea King
helicopters rescued eleven survivors from the Danish motor vessel
Merc Enterprise, which foundered in storm force winds south of
Plymouth. One Royal Navy officer, one Royal Australian Navy officer,
and three Royal Navy ratings received decorations for gallantry.
In the same month a Royal Navy frigate took off the crew of the
distressed Creek vessel Qurandos north of Cape St Vincent. In
September 1974 helicopters from HMS Ark Royal rescued four survivors
from the British motor vessel Greta C in the Channel. In 1974 as
a whole, Royal Navy helicopters responded to 309 incidents, in
which assistance was given to 222 civilians and military personnel.
IJI 26
CONFIDENTIAL
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