SECRET
9.
Period-of-Tension Functions. Despite the withdrawal, in March 1976, of HS CHICHESTER, which was faster and better armed than the patrol craft, the tasks in a period of tension have not substantially reduced. They are:
a.
To deter limited armed Naval incursions which are beyond the capacity of the Marine Police.
b.
To deter attempts to interfere with Hong Kong's sea communications and fishing fleets.
C.
THE THREAT
If deterrence fails, to frustrate such incursions and attempts.
10. Because of the limited nature of period-of-tension operations envisaged, only the minor units of the Chinese South Seas Fleet and locally based Public Security and Militia Vessels need be considered.
11.
If one discounts major surface combattants and submarines, the Chinese South Sea Fleet based on Canton contains 96 motor torpedo boats and 142 motor gun boats, mostly of the Shanghai Class. Elements considered relevant
are:
a. The Shanghai Class MK II is fitted with four x 37 mm AA in twin mounts, four x 25 mm/80 AA in twin mounts, and two x 75 mm recoilless rifles in twin mounts. It has a speed of 30 knots and a range of 750 NM. Replacements may be expected to have a missile system similar to the SSN-2 fitted to the ex-Soviet USA and KOMAR class now in CCN service. The weapon will. probably have a minimum of two single launchers, a maximum range of 22 nautical miles and terminal radar homing.
b.
The 40 knot HOKU class small guided missile patrol boat (PTG), and the 50 knot HUCHMAN motor boat operate regularly in waters adjacent to the Colony.
C. There are shore batteries on numerous communist islands around Hong Kong, but these are thought to be tasked for the defence of Canton and unlikely to be a direct threat to RN craft, particularly if close marking of CCN craft is in progress.
12. In addition to combatant units of the CCN, the Chinese deploy the following lesser armed vessels:
a. Militia junks armed with small arms and with speeds in the region of 15 knots.
b. Public Security vessels of about 30 to 40 ft, usually armed with heavy machine guns and probably capable of speeds of about 20 knots.
C.
Steel hulled coasters about 100 ft long, probably capable of 10 to 15 knots and in the past armed with a 4" gun.
OPERATIONAL CONCEPT
13. The concept of operations which stems from the assessed threat is:
a. To assist the Marine Police in operations involving the vessels listed in paragraph 12.
b. To be able to operate in a period of tension, against current and projected minor combatant units of the Chinese South Sea Fleet.
14. Disposition. All the craft will be based on and maintained in Hong Kong. Routine maintenance will be provided by the Naval Base with dockings and refits undertaken under commercial contract.
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