TNAG-0542-FCO40-637-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 88

CONFIDENTIAL

3. IF IT IS DECIDED TO RETAIN A FRIGATE IN HONG KONG INSTEAD OF FIVE PATROL CRAFT, THE QUESTION OF REFITTING MERMAID OTHER THAN IN A ROYAL NAVY DOCKYARD WILL RAISE COMPLEX ISSUES INCLUDING THAT OF DOCKYARD LOADINGS IN UK. THESE ARE NOW BEING EXAMINED URGENTLY, AND THE GUARDSHIP. QUESTION MUST AWAIT THE OUTCOME OF THIS EXAMINATION.

ENDS.

CALLAGHAN.

FILES

HKIOD

(3)

DEFENCE DEPT

. SWPD

PS

PS/LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS

SIR D WATSON

COPIES TO:

MR WARD DS6

MOD

MR HANSFORD

MR BRYARS

MR AGGLETON

TREASURY

CABINET OFFICE

PSA DOE

MR THOMSON

MR MALE

- 2.

CONFIDENTIAL