CO CONFIDE!
ONFIDENTIAL
AL
4. We have now received HQBF's response (Reference D), which indicates that the Hong Kong Government have been provided with a detailed justification for IS facilities, and that they would be effectively utilised. HQBF have also indicated that their requirement is now thought likely to comprise an Urban Dry Training Area with either an Urban Close Quarter Battle Range and/or a Marksmanship Under Fire Range, but that they need expert advice on the latest range technology before a firm assessment can be made.
Power Lines
5. At the end of March we became aware, initially through the Department of Industry (whose interests lie in potential contracts for British firms), of the possibility that we would receive a request from the Hong Kong Government that we consider the routing of 400 KV power transmission lines from the new power station at Tap Shek Kok acr oss Castle Peak Ranges. It is now clear that the proposed alignment of the cables runs along the south eastern perimeter of the Ranges, but although little if any of the route would cross the Range boundafy the assessed 200 metre danger areas would cause a considerable encroachment.
6. We have now received the official request from the Hong Kong Government to DCBF (Reference G). HQBF have already carried out an evaluation of the consequences of acceding to the Hong Kong Government request (Reference E). This indicates that there would be serious restrictionss on our ability to use the Ranges, which would not only inhibit existing activities, but could also prejudice our future requirements, to the extent that HQBF recommend rejection of the Hong Kong Government proposals.
7.
We have also received the advice of the Civil Secretary (Reference F)im which a possible compromise solution is put forward. In effect, this suggests that it might be possible, because of the topography, for the power lines to follow the proposed route without affecting the range danger area.
This is, again, clearly a matter on which the advice of range experts is essential, and which can only be resolved after they have examined the problem on the spot.
Future Action
8. The Hong Kong Government wish to have an early response to their request, and we are aware that the power transmission line contract is due to be signed in August. We would therefore wish to send a small team of experts to Hong Kong at an early date, ideally to advise on both the power line, and the IS range requirement issues.
CONFIDENTIAL
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