TNAG-0755-FCO40-959-Security-arrangements-at-Kai-Tak-Airport-1978 — Page 90

for Zambia. My view, and that of Mr Macoun, is that these objections override the bilateral advantages of meeting the Zambian request.

MX

4. We are thus in the unfortunate position of having appeared

to have promised the Zambians assistance which we cannot in

fact deliver. We will clearly have to put the record straight quickly to avoid further damage. We will also have urgently to consider an alternative offer, relevant to Zambia's needs. Macoun has suggested that the Police Tactical Unit and the Special Duties Unit of the Hong Kong Police, which offer specialised training in the paramilitary and anti-hijacking fields, might be able to accept a small team of senior Zambian training officers (e.g. three officers including one training officer) for a short course. 010 have kindly agreed that they would be prepared to use the Counter Subversion Fund to meet the fares of the Zambian party. I understand from Hong Kong and General Department that we would need to consult the Kong Government before putting this suggestion to the Zambia and that there is no guarantee that they would agree. We will pursue this.

But in the meantime we need to send a holding telegram to Lusaka and I attach a draft. Mr Moun and OID

and HK & G Department concur.

2 June 1978

c.c. Mr Macoun

Mr Allan OID

Hong Kong & General Dept

huas Run

H M S Reid

Central & Southern African Department

CONFIDENTIAL

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