TNAG-0562-FCO40-657-Review-of-narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 59

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6.

(b)

(c)

appear to be no prima facie legal obstacle to pressing ahead with this scheme although an agreement, possibly of an informal nature, would have to be drawn up with the Thai Government.

The proposal to station a Thai warship in Hong Kong would not be proceeded with, in view of possible C.P.G. objections, quite apart from the unacceptable cost of such an operation.

Before any action could be taken to involve R.N. Ships in any such scheme, ground rules would need to be drawn up for guidance of the captain of the R.N. Ship concerned and the Thai police officer/officers.

The Commodore said that he had already been advised of these proposals by the M.0, D. and had given his views to the Ministry and to C. IN C. Fleet. He pointed out that:-

7.

(a) before a final answer is given on the proposal,

British Ministers would need to be consulted on account of the international implications;

(b)

(c)

(a)

in any such scheme of this nature, there is a possibility of bloodshed, but it is not inevitable. (Mr. Rumbelow mentioned that there is evidence that the crew of Thai trawlers sailing to international waters outside Hong Kong carry small arms as protection against hi-jacking);

there is a need for accurate intelligence on the actual location of the trawlers to be intercepted, to pinpoint the area where they are operating as a need for a wide spread and time-consuming search could interfere with other priorities set for the R.N. by the Hong Kong Government (e.g. concerning illegal immigrants).

After further discussion, it was AGREED that:-

the Narcotics Bureau will prepare a set of draft ground rules (to be discussed with Lieutenant Commander Redmond in the first instance) for the use of naval captains engaged on such exercises, which can be worked up into rules of engagement by the Royal Navy, and form the basis for another meeting:

G.F. 316

/(b)

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