TNAG-0539-FCO40-634-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 190

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monitor the movements of Russian naval forces operating in the

Mediterranean, North Atlantic and waters around the United Kingdom.

Lightning and Phantom fighter aircraft, supported by in-flight

refuelling and airborne early warning aircraft, have continued

to intercept and shadow Russian aircraft entering NATO airspace

to the north and north west of the United Kingdom.

Border Policing

38. 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

39. The Royal Navy's survey vessels have continued their surveying

and charting operations, providing essential navigational information

both for defence purposes and for commercial shipping interests.

Agreements have been reached with the French and Dutch Hydrographers

over areas of surveying responsibilities to avoid duplication of

effort, In April 197 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 control of the Ministry of Defence and the

Department of Energy. This will provide the Government with informa-

tion necessary to ensure the effective exploitation of our sea-bed

resources. As a result of the Defence Review, the Royal Navy's

surveying needs will be reduced.

An interdepartmental

group, including representatives of outside interests, is now studying the civil requirement and ways in which this might be met, consistent

with the aims of the Defence Review.

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