TNAG-0756-FCO40-960-Strength-of-UK-armed-forces-stationed-in-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 4

D/DS6/16/43/2

Akkobolt

2 & MAR 1978

OFFICER

ས

33. 31

BY

Takan

DN Plans

DNOR

Head of DS 4

Copy to Head of DS 1

Head of GF 3

COSSEC

INDEX

тъ

FCO (Hong Kong Dept)* (without enclosure)

HONG KONG PATROL CRAFT

PA

Reference: A. Hong Kong Govt letter SCR/57 dated 13 March 1978

(enclosed).

B. AUS(GS) 46/78 dated 26 January 1978.

1. We have now received the Hong Kong Government reply (Reference A) to AUS(GS)'s letter (Reference B) in which we set out the conclusions of the NST.

2. We need answers to the following specific points:-

3.

a.

The threat is this a problem of terminology or of

substance?

b. Speed - the slightly convoluted wording here presumably means that the HK Government believe the lowest acceptably maximum speed is 25 Kts? They wish to know our grounds for being prepared to consider lower maximum speeds.

c. Local construction

-

although not mentioned in AUS(GS)'s letter this option is set out in the NST and the submission to Minister of State. Have we any other comment to offer on this possibility?

d. Can we provide additional information for the HK Government on the costs mentioned by Mr Davies in para 4 of his letter?

e. Eventual disposal of the patrol craft is a very hypothetica. matter and I am not sure that any answer should be attempted to para 5.

There are, I suppose, circumstances in which the Royaì Navy would wish to dispose of the vessels (especially if they were special-to-Hong Kong and could not fulfil a useful role elsewhere). However I would have thought that the HK Government might then be given first refusal for their use by RHKMP. What is more likely is that in about 2000 we might be selling them for scrap.

As to para 6 of Mr Davies' letter, you will note that he doubts the necessity for a meeting. I would be grateful for your advice as to our programme regarding the Hong Kong patrol craft over the next few months, and in particular the events in that programme in which we will need to involve the Hong Kong Government.

1.

ITIAL

CONFIDENTIAL